On 25 April, the Illawarra will remember and acknowledge the men and women who have served in Australia’s and New Zealand’s armed forces.

The NSW Returned Service League is encouraging schools throughout the Illawarra to mark ANZAC Day by holding their own commemorations to allow students to pay respect to the sacrifice of the men and women who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge said ANZAC Day is one of the most significant days on the national calendar.

“It’s an opportunity for all Australians to honour the unique sacrifice of our current and former serving Defence Force personnel since 1915. Our young people learn about Australia’s proud military past,” he said.

“The democratic freedoms we, as a nation, hold dear today are largely built on their service and sacrifice. That includes the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief, which, ironically, some parents are relying on to deny their children the opportunity to learn about the importance of ANZAC Day.

Mr Bainbridge said it is important to understand that ANZAC Day is not a celebration of war, and commemorates the horrors of war and ensures the sacrifices of those who served and died are never forgotten.

“Through education and commemoration, ANZAC Day serves as a bridge between past and present, ensuring that every Australian child understands the price of freedom and the responsibility of remembrance.”

A list of local services and Anzac Day events across NSW can also be found on the RSL NSW website.

The following services and marches will be held in the northern suburbs:

• 5.45am Helensburgh Dawn Service Charles Harper Park Memorial, Helensburgh. Contact: Helensburgh RSL Sub-Branch: Ian (Secretary) 0403 867 805
• 10am Stanwell Tops Memorial Service Stanwell Tops War Memorial Park Stonehaven Road Stanwell Tops. Contact: Helensburgh Lions Club: 0407 942 436
• 6am Coledale Dawn Service Coledale RSL Club, 731 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Coledale. Contact: Coledale RSL Sub-Branch: 4267 1873
• 6am Austinmer Dawn Service Cenotaph, Austinmer Beach, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer. Contact: Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch: Will Lee (Coordinator) 0419 000 061
• 6am Thirroul Dawn Service Cenotaph, William Woodward Memorial Park, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. Contact: Austinmer Thirroul RSL Sub-Branch: Will Lee (Coordinator) 0419 000 061
• 5.30am Woonona Dawn Service Woonona-Bulli RSL Memorial Club, 455-459 Princes Highway, Woonona. Contact: Woonona-Bulli RSL Sub-Branch: Phil (President) 0417 440 969
• 5.25am Corrimal March Start from Corrimal RSL Memorial Club on Princes Highway, then head towards Anzac Grove on Railway Street, Corrimal. A service will commence at ANZAC Grove at 6am. Contact: Corrimal RSL Sub-Branch: Morrie Gallina 0414 384 385 
• 5am Wollongong Dawn Service MacCabe Park Cenotaph, Church Street, Wollongong. Contact: City of Wollongong RSL Sub-Branch: John Sperring (President) 0407 074 154

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