In light of the decision of the National Executive of the RSL (NSW) and the Mittagong Sub-Branch concerning the cancellation of ANZAC Day services, the Berrima Residents Association will not be conducting the Dawn and Morning services in Berrima this year. Since this decision was taken in mid-March the government has introduced stricter limits on the size of public gatherings, which also prevent these services from happening.
The Association regrets having to make this decision but acknowledges that the health and safely of the public is paramount in this time of crisis.
The Association will, however, fly the Australian and New Zealand flags on ANZAC Day as a mark of respect to the servicemen and women for their sacrifice in time of war and civil unrest.
The Association will lay a wreath at the Berrima Cenotaph and scatter Flanders Poppy seeds in the garden beds behind the Cenotaph. We hope that these seeds will be in full flower by the time the Remembrance Day services are held on 11 November.
Following the extensive restoration of the Cenotaph and Memorial Garden in the Market Place in Berrima, the Residents Association has been organising services at Dawn, and in the morning at 10.30am, on ANZAC Day since 2007. The historic Oak Tree, planted in March 1890 by the Father of Federation, Sir Henry Parkes, gently shelters the congregation for the services.
The Association would like to thank the many people involved in organising these services. In particular, the Ven. Geoff Webb, Lynn Watson, Richard Lane, Andrew Hearn, John and Evonne D’Arcy, the Berrima Public School, Gumnut Patisserie and Michael Stosic (Luminous Entertainment).