The Burleigh Heads War Memorial Park and Cenotaph was spruced and ready for the service. We had torrential rain Wednesday and rain Thursday but our day turned out to be a hot one, with the sun shinning and a bit of a breeze. The Robina High School, Australian Navy cadets TS Success turned out in their uniforms and weapons to make the service something very special for the old Veterans and the public. They were led by their Navy Cadet Officer Mark Siddle and assisted by Peter Fleming an old soldier; a huge thanks goes to them and the cadets for their participation.

The cadets, provided a flag officer, their contribution was invaluable. Approximately 100 Veterans attended and there were in excess of 500 public in attendance, considering the age of many veterans this was a wonderful effort, they should be congratulated!!

Father Pat Molony was the presiding Padre and as usual added a lot of meaning to the day, as well Harry Nesbitt, ex-POW, read some payers in remembrance of all the Ex-POW's. George Utterson, Flag Officer assisted with the flag bearers and thanks to the four of flag bearers. Les McKenzie, Jnr Vice President, conducted the duties of Parade Marshal with great vigour, a big thanks goes to all them for their assistance!

The service ended in splendid weather and some retired to the Burleigh Heads Bowls Club for a few refreshments!

The cadets were fed and refreshed with lemon squash, and boy were they a thirsty and hungry lot, nice to see young people with great appetites and we look forward to their next attendance on ANZAC Day 2007!

Councillor Greg Betts and the Gold Coast City Council should be mentioned and congratulated for their continued support of the Burleigh Heads RSL Sub-branch and assisting with equipment for commemorations and with maintaining the Burleigh Heads War Memorial Park, thank you! The park was almost back to it's original picture, as a oasis for reflection after much works for storm drainage has taken place over the last few months!

I must make mention and thank the Members and ladies of the Auxiliary that assisted Jeannie McKenzie in selling poppies to the public, well done, a wonderful effort! I mustn’t forget Allan Price, our trusty ex-Postmaster armed with a bag of poppies, he walks the streets of Burleigh, James St and the Bowls club, and as usual he did very well, thank you Allan. A huge thanks to everyone for their support! Remembrance Day 2006

"Lest We Forget"

Chris Keating, C Dec
President