Anzac Day 2026 Special Event - Illawarra
The MX-5 Illawarra Chapter Anzac Day Memorial Tribute
Special Event 25th April 2026
The Anzac journey for the Illawarra Chapter commenced in Thirlmere in 2024 where we honoured a very brave young soldier, Ian Thompson, who when called upon fought with tenacity, effectively saving his platoon from being overrun in an enemy contact. On that occasion we were honoured in meeting the family, and had the opportunity to share precious time with them.
The Illawarra Chapter will, on this day, Anzac Day 25th April 2026, continue a journey of remembrance for the local soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War. The four soldiers of the Wollongong area are interned in the Memorial Gardens, Berkeley, Wollongong.
DAY BREAK MARCH AND SERVICE - OPTIONAL
To offer the opportunity for members and their families to participate in the Anzac Day traditional March and Dawn Service Events, the following OPTIONAL start to the day is offered (make your own way and meet at Corrimal):
a) MX-5 Ex Servicemen and Women and family with medals - Dawn March:
5.25am Attend the Corrimal RSL March
Start from Corrimal RSL Memorial Club at 168 Princes Highway, Corrimal then the march will proceed the short distance towards Anzac Grove on Railway Street, Corrimal.
b) All Members - Dawn Service:
6.00am Attend the Corrimal Dawn Service
ANZAC Grove, Memorial Park, Railway Street, Corrimal
c) All Members - Traditional GUN BARREL BREAKFAST
Attend the Corrimal RSL Memorial Club immediately following the Dawn Service and participate in the Anzac Day breakfast supplied by the RSL club.
d) 9.30am For those attending the Dawn Service and breakfast at the Corrimal RSL we will lead a Convoy run to the Wollongong Memorial Gardens.
OR you may wish to meet at the Wollongong Memorial Gardens at 10.00am if not attending the Dawn Service and/or breakfast at Corrimal RSL
MAIN EVENT - ALL MEMBERS GRAVE SIDE VIGIL OF FOUR FALLEN SOLDIERS
10.00am Grave side vigil, Last Post Ceremonies Wollongong Memorial Gardens
176 Berkeley Rd, Unanderra NSW 2526
The Illawarra Chapter invites all MX-5 Club Members and their families and friends to attend a grave side vigil Last Post Ceremony for 4 Vietnam soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam War.
Vietnam is the first Australian War where the government was pressured to repatriate those soldiers killed in Vietnam to their loved ones for burial in Australia. Four soldiers are interned in Wollongong. A soldier’s journey is a lonely one. They commit themselves to the task, do their duty with pride and when fallen are laid to rest and we commit ourselves to remember them. On this day we have the opportunity not only to remember them, but the unique opportunity to know their story.
In Remembrance there are no rules when doing so. On this unusual and significant occasion the reading of the four stories and the traditional memorial service will take approximately one to one and a half hours. Time will be taken for leisure and thoughtful remembrance.
Seating is suggested for members to bring along for comfort. It may be wet underfoot so suitable shoes are recommended. We have a wet weather plan for inclement weather. There are no limits to attendees. There is no cost.
12.30 Lunch has been booked at the Five Islands Hotel 87-93 Five Islands Road, Cringila for 12.30pm. They will have TwoUp happening from 12.00pm for anyone interested.
Service will be conducted by Tony Cox OAM – Illawarra Chapter, Vietnam veteran
