Young and Harden To Commemorate ANZAC Day With Driveway Service

Erica Glover's children with their wreath.

Streets in Young and Harden will be commemorating ANZAC Day in a unique way after traditional services had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

After hearing about the idea of commemorating ANZAC Day standing in your driveway, Jane Caldow set about bringing the idea to Young. “Being someone who never misses ANZAC Day, the idea kept playing on my mind,” she said.

Posting on a local Facebook group to gauge interest, the idea took off from there, with James Wall, 2YYY community radio presenter/volunteer coming on board. The Facebook group Young & Harden Driveway ANZAC Day Dawn Service 2020 was created and a flyer was printed and distributed through town to spread the word.

“The Facebook page has been very positive. The word has certainly spread, and I’m happy to say with such a large group there has been no negativity from the locals. It is so refreshing to know we live in such a friendly town. I am loving the camaraderie and the sense of unity. I may have created the page but want everyone to feel equal. It has been good to see members come up with great ideas,” said Jane.

James liaised with RSL President, Mr John Walker, who is on board, while Jane liaised with Hilltops Council. “The Council is very supportive of the idea, however due to the current situation, it is understandably restricted to some requests to ensure that social distancing rules are not broken.”

Letterboxes are being decorated with Australian flags, poppies and sprigs of rosemary and parents are encouraging children to make wreaths as an extension of home schooling.

As word spreads and members join, Jane updates the list of streets participating. “Every few days I am updating the list for a bit of fun and friendly street rivalry, hoping it might encourage others to join their neighbours. So far it seems Pineview Circuit and Back Creek Road have the most activity.”

Last week the idea spread to Harden Murrumburrah, with Erica Glover joining the group. “Erica Glover is as passionate about remembering our fallen heroes and returned servicemen as James and I are. Erica is spreading the word in Harden.”

James has put together a program which will commence on 2YYY at 5.58am. 2YYY will broadcast The Ode – The Last Post – one minute’s silence – Reveille, in that order. Residents will be able tune into 92.3FM or stream 2YYY to their devices. https://2yyyradio.com/wordpress/

For more information or to add your street to the list, join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/717221385482428/