Post by RSL LifeCare

On Saturday, RSL LifeCare held an Anzac Day Dawn Service at RSL ANZAC Village, Narrabeen to honour and commemorate the brave men and women who have served our country. We were joined by thousands of community members including RSL LifeCare residents, families and friends, team members, volunteers and members of the local Northern Beaches community. The service was presided over by RSL LifeCare Regional Manager Retirement Living Stephanie Stoddard as the MC, with the Catafalque Guard Mount provided by 201 Army Cadet Unit Northern Beaches. The Oath was delivered by RSL LifeCare Director Chris Grover, followed by a beautiful rendition of the hymn "Abide with Me" by the Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble, led by Narelle Thistlethwaite. Commodore Peter Scott, CSC, RAN (Retd) delivered a powerful Anzac Address, followed by Prayers of Remembrance and Peace, offered by RSL LifeCare resident John Hill and RSL LifeCare Veteran Services client Ian King, respectively. The service also included a reading of the ‘Dedication from Kemal Ataturk’ by Councillor Ruth Robins from Northern Beaches Council, followed by the laying of wreaths by the official party, during which the Lament was played by Mark Broadhead of the Knox Old Boys’ Pipe Band. The service also reflected the increasing involvement of local schools, with students taking part in the wreath laying. The Ode was delivered by RSL LifeCare resident and President of the War Vets RSL sub-Branch, Geoff Seis, after which guests observed one minute’s silence. The Last Post and Reveille were played by Katie Gillings. The service concluded with a Benediction delivered by Chaplain Keith Walker, followed by the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems performed by the Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble. The Catafalque Party and Flag Party then dismounted, and closing remarks and thanks were given by RSL LifeCare Chief Information Officer Ian Forrester. The service was followed by a community breakfast hosted by RSL LifeCare, with more than 600 people joining us for a complimentary offering of bacon & egg rolls, muffins and barista coffee. The taxi cavalcade departed the village at 7.30am for the city march, comprising 15 taxis and two minibuses carrying our residents. The light rain did not dampen spirits, as those in attendance stood steadfast throughout the service. Thank you to everyone who joined us in remembering and honouring our veterans. Lest we forget. #rsllifecare #anzacday2026 #dawnservice #lestweforget #community