Anzac Albany

Albany will be the site of the first commemorative event in the program of activities marking the Anzac Centenary. On 1 November 2014 an Anzac service will be held with the presence of ships from the Royal Australian Navy, the New Zealand Navy and with other nations to be confirmed. This date marks the departure of the original convoy that carried troops to the Middle East and onwards to Gallipoli. The people of Albany and the Great Southern are proud to be part of the Anzac Centenary, to honour and pay respect to those who have and are serving our nation as part of the armed forces. Anzac Centenary Events will embrace the themes: ‘Commemorate, Contemplate and Educate.’ There have been a number of ideas and suggestions as to how the community can get involved, from event suggestions to volunteering at the events.The following Events Calendar is a list of events and activities that will take place as part of the ANZAC Centenary in and around Albany and that have been confirmed. More information about events will be included as it becomes available and other events will be added. For information about how to have your event listed on the Anzac Albany website, please contact us or complete the registration form at www.anzacalbany.com.au ANZAC PROJECTIONS & STORYTELLING 30.10.14 – 2.11.14 Using modern projection technology, the memorabilia preserved in Albany from the First World War will be brought to life for Anzac Albany. Images, video and personal accounts will convey the details of that time. If you have a story, images or something else for consideration, please complete the online form at the website, www.anzacalbany.com.au. STIRLING TERRACE MESS HALL 30.10.14 - 2.11.14 The Stirling Terrace Mess Hall will be the home of food and drink for the community and visitors to Anzac Albany. Restaurants will pop up along the terrace with outdoor tables and stalls selling the best of Great Southern produce. Join the community and watch the ceremonial activities in Princess Royal Harbour from the Stirling Terrace Mess Hall. SUNSET CEREMONY 31.10.14 The Royal Australian Navy Sunset Ceremony is one of the oldest Naval Ceremonies, dating back centuries to the age of sail. The ceremony reflects the worldwide naval tradition of saluting the lowering of the Ensign at sunset each day in harbour. PRINCESS ROYAL HARBOUR LIGHTS 31.10.14 Princess Royal Harbour Lights will be an interpretive sound, lighting and pyrotechnic display on the harbour following sunset. Come down to the harbours edge on the eve of the centenary of the departure of the convoys, to commemorate the souls on board the ships, and the families they left behind. TROOP MARCH 1.11.14 On the morning of 1 November, the centenary of the First Convoy Departure, a troop march along York St in Albany will include Australian Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy personnel, New Zealand Defence Force personnel, Australian Defence Force Band and representation from the veteran community. COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE 1.11.14 Taking place at Anzac Peace Park shortly after the Troop March, the commemorative service will contemplate and remember the individuals of the First Convoy Departure. OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ANZAC INTERPRETIVE CENTRE 1.11.14 Located in the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum, the ANZAC Interpretive Centre will open on the day of the centenary of the First Convoy Departure. Curated in partnership with the Western Australian Museum, there will be an opportunity for people to experience a connection with the First World War. Cost of entry will apply. COMMUNITY CONCERT 1.11.14 A community concert at the Foundation Park featuring The West Australian Symphony Orchestra with high profile Australian and New Zealand guests. The musical direction of the event will be respectful to the theme of commemorate, contemplate and educate, providing a contemporary event to commemorate the Anzac tradition that began in Albany 100 years ago to the day. NAVAL SHIP OPEN DAY 2.11.14 Docking at the Albany Port, Naval ships participating in the Anzac Albany centenary commemorations will open for members of the public to tour. A very exciting opportunity, with many more details to be announced. REFLECTIONS OVER THE WATER 2.11.14 The children’s commemorative event will be a region wide program, encompassing an offering being placed into the Princess Royal Harbour to remember the lives of the 35,000 troops and sailors who sailed from Albany on November 1, 1914.