General News
1 May, 2026
Clifton Commemorates ANZACs
From school services to the dawn service, Cliftonites turned out in strong numbers to commemorate our fallen ANZACs and all who have fallen in service of our country on what is one of Australia’s most solemn days.
The rum and coffee, a traditional Dawn Service beverage, went down rough for those not acquainted with the brew.
The Dawn Service saw a strong crowd surround the Cenotaph in the early morning.
It’s been 111 years since the Gallipoli landings, 111 years since we found our national story on a Turkish beach in a European war.
There was no lack of sincerity, no slack in ceremony.
The crowd, just as the current and ex-servicemen and women, stood straight, silent and about Edward Street as the sun rose on the 25th of April 2026, Edward Street had an air of reverence about it.
The parade stretched from Meara Place to Edward Street, filling King Street.
Bagpipes sounding the march were followed by ex-service-people and their descendants with medals pinned on chests.
Between the Dawn Service and the Parade, the gunfire brekkie put on by the RSL had the F. E. Logan Hall bubbling with conversation.
Games of two-up were reportedly played through-out the afternoon, after people made their way to the pubs to see the day out.
President of the Clifton RSL Sub-Branch Greg Woodward thanked the community for its support.
“On behalf of the RSL Sub-Branch, we were extremely pleased with the strong attendance at both the Dawn Service and main march and service later in the morning. It was terrific to see veterans, families, school students and community members all come together to honour those who served.
“Days like ANZAC Day show that the spirit of remembrance, mateship and respect remains strong in country towns like ours. We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who attended, marched, laid wreathes, volunteered or supported the day in any way. It takes a whole community effort, and Clifton once again did itself proud. Lest we forget.”
After the march, Brad Jones was Master of Ceremonies for the main service.
There were poetry readings from former sub-branch president Graham Gillam and Sophie Manttan from Clifton State High School.
Then the wreaths were laid.
One by one each wreath was brought up and placed at the foot of the cenotaph.
Spots of rain did little to dampen the ceremony.
Councillor Bill Cahill was on hand to lay a citizen’s wreath.
Community members offered wreaths in tribute to those who served in all of the wars and peace-keeping missions in which Australians have been involved.
Wreaths were laid by the CWA, RSL Auxiliary, Treasure Island Childcare Centre, and the residents of Nirvana and Clifton Aged Care.
Wreaths were also laid by local community groups.
The Queensland Ambulance Service, The Queensland Police and Rural Fire Brigade all paid tribute.
Members of the emergency services stepped back, after laying their wreaths, and stood for a moment in respect for those whose names are etched into the cenotaph stone.
Throughout the morning, the air of respect never faltered.
Leaders of the junior and senior schools were involved in the laying of wreaths, on behalf of the local schools.
Proud principals were busy getting the shots as their pupils played their part in the ceremony.
RSL Sub Branch President Greg Woodward and Sergeant Andrew Cooper from the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey gave the main addresses, emphasising the spirit, the legacy and the responsibility we have as we commemorate our ANZACs and reflect on the lives we live, built on their sacrifice.
Lest we forget.
