A cool crisp morning greeted the Kenthurst Community who turned out in force to commemorate ANZAC Day at John Benyon Rotary Park. It was very moving to see an estimated crowd of 2,000 plus in attendance. From senior citizens to babies in prams, they were all there to remember and pay respect to those that served, and those that continue to serve to protect our country and participate in peace keeping missions around the globe.
Following muster at Ampol Kenthurst, participants marched down Nelson Street led by the Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band. Groups representing WWI, WWII, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, current military and UN Peace Keeping Force marched with pride.
Local groups included RFS, Galston Girl Guides, Dural Scouts and Dural Pony Club, accompanied by “Poppy” the horse and her owner Clarice.
It was wonderful to see so many people, especially school students proudly wearing medals to represent family members.
As is tradition, the RAAF Richmond Catafalque Party, led by Squadron Leader Clinton Baldock was mounted around the stone Memorial. A service then followed, with an extensive program including singers James McGaw & Jane Finlay, a poem by Jordan Simpson & Charlyze Donoso from St Madeleine’s, speeches by Federal Member for Berowra, Julian Leeser MP, Wing Commander Brent Vujcich from RAAF Richmond, Vietnam Veteran Terry Tolhurst.
Requiem was read by Nicholas Forbes from Marian College; Prayers were led by RAAF Chaplain Flight Lieutenant Matthew Teggart. The Ode was recited by Bree Collins from Galston High, Last Post & Rouse performed by Steven Vardouniotis from Hills Grammar. The flag was raised by Jack Romeo & Amiya Raileqe from Kenthurst Primary, and the National Anthem performed by Hayley Mathie from Galston High.
Representatives from Federal, State and Local Council were also present in the crowd. Laying of wreaths by officials, schools, community groups and family representatives was included in the service.
At the conclusion of the official event, morning tea and refreshments were provided and served by family and friends of the Rotary Club. Donations totalling $400, made on the day are being donated to Legacy.
The Rotary Club of Kenthurst would like to thank all our special guests, speakers and most importantly the community of this wonderful village for helping to keep the tradition of ANZAC Day alive and thriving.
For photos of the day click here ANZAC DAY 2024 album
Our next BBQ will be held on Saturday 24th February 2024. For the BEST sausage sandwiches in town, come along to Bunnings Dural and say "Hi" to the team.
A fabulous night of fun, frivolity and friendship was had on Friday 2nd February 2024, at our Burns Night celebrating the life and poetry of Robbie Burns.
40 people enjoyed all things Scottish, including Haggis, Bagpipes and Highland Dancing.
Club member Keith McGill was instrumental in arranging the night with help from Kathy Bray. Paul Rapp opened his home for the venue. Fraser, Sabrina & Anna provided the entertainment and caterers cooked up a Scottish feast.
Marie Beck took home the bottle of Glenfiddich Whisky in the coin toss game - yes, another win for Marie!
Friendship Friendship makes us a' mair happy Friendship gie's us a' delight Friendship consecrates the "drappie" Friendship brings us here the nicht Robbie Burns |
For further details and photos please visit our Australia Day page under Community Projects or via link below:
https://www.kenthurstrotaryclub.com.au/australia-day.html
Kenthurst Rotary is running a Christmas Tree of Joy at Dural Mall Shopping Centre. Take a tag, buy a gift for one of the age groups shown and leave at Romeo's Hairdressers which is also located at Dural Mall. Gifts are being collected until 18th December. All donations will be dropped off at the Westmead Children's Hospital for distribution to children in their care.
A wonderful 'feel good' event to be involved with. Get on board and help those less fortunate this Christmas season.
Details and photos of the event can be found on our dedicated Carols in the Park page via link below:
https://www.kenthurstrotaryclub.com.au/carols-in-the-park.html
On the 6th of November 1973, The Rotary Club of Kenthurst was chartered. A celebration of the past 50 years was held at Rydges Norwest on Saturday 28th October 2023. A crowd of 100 people, including local dignitaries, past presidents, members and guests were in attendance. 12 members of our sister club, Toyama Mirai in Japan made the long trip to make the evening a memorable one.
Founding president Gordon Rowe, gave a speech which was fabulous to see. A club polo signed by past presidents was presented to our sister club and a framed one was auctioned on the night. 50 years of serving the local community and international projects is no mean feat and those involved should be highly recognised for their efforts. Looking forward to the next few decades ahead.