BATHURST’S upcoming Remembrance Day commemorations have been given a helping hand from the Federal Government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This year will mark the 100th anniversary since the armistice was signed to end the First World War.
Bathurst RSL Sub Branch has been planning extensively to recreate the mood of that day – it was sombre, there was a deep sense loss and gratitude.
On Friday, Calare MP Andrew Gee presented the Sub Branch with a $4750 grant from the Armistice Centenary Grant Program for the commemorations.
Among the day’s plans will be a new plaque commemorating the centenary, 400 white crosses in the gardens near the carillon, a catafalque party, band, choir and doves will be released.
Following the commemoration, there will be a street party with food stands, street performers, period costumes and school students will be involved though art and literature.
“It had such a disastrous impact on so many country communities like Bathurst,” Mr Gee said of World War One.
“It was detrimental to that generation and the impacts of that can still be felt today.”
The grant will help fund new flagpoles at the site and 5000 crocheted-knitted poppies that will spill down the side of the Carillon.
Sub Branch president David Mills said the funds would go a long way to helping prepare and carry out the commemoration for the community.
“It was supposed to be the war to end all wars,” he said.
In Bathurst on November 11, 1918, Mr Mills said there was an outpouring of reflection and of a job well done when the war finished.
The Calare electorate was allocated $50,000 through the Armistice Centenary Grants program, with 13 grants awarded across this region.