General News
16 April, 2022
White Crosses To Honour Our Local Soldiers On Anzac Day
WHITE crosses representing fallen Douglas soldiers will be placed at the Port Douglas cenotaph to mark the 107th Anniversary of the Anzac’s landing at Gallipoli.
Mossman State High School students will lay the 67 small timber crosses during Mossman RSL President Ron Savage’s reading of the fallen on Anzac Day this year.
Volunteers from the Mossman Men’s Shed, crafted and painted the crosses with names etched into a plaque by local engraver Janet Goodall.
Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray, his wife Chris and fellow branch member Bryan Smith assembled the crosses, placed a red poppy on each and dipped them in protective coating.
Mr Gray said 66 crosses have names of fallen local soldiers, while one cross was unnamed to represent soldiers not recorded.
“Newell Beach Takeaway came up with the idea and donated funds towards the project which was very generous,” he said.
“By putting a protective coating on these, we hope to use them every year and make it somewhat of a local ritual.
“I would like to encourage everyone to pay their respects at our local services this year and remember our fallen soldiers.”
The Daintree Ferry will be open at 4am on Anzac Day to accommodate ferry users wishing to attend dawn services.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, who will address the Mossman and Port Douglas services, said Anzac Day would be another special occasion.
“Our local community always comes together to honour those who served our beautiful country over the years,” he said.
“I look forward to commemorating the mateship, courage and sacrifice of our brave Anzac soldiers.”
Douglas Shire will remember the fallen at traditional ANZAC Day services on Monday, April 25 2022. Representatives from the Royal Australian Navy will attend services in Port Douglas and Mossman.
Mossman
The 107th Anniversary of the Anzac’s landing at Gallipoli will start with a dawn service at the Mossman Cenotaph on Front St at 5.15am, with official proceedings from 5.25am.
Dignitaries from the Mossman RSL, the clergy, State Member for Cook Cynthia Lui and Douglas Shire Council will be present.
Port Douglas
In Port Douglas, people will meet at Port Village in Macrossan Street from 10am and begin the march towards the cenotaph at 10:15 am.
Official proceedings then commence at the cenotaph in ANZAC Park at 10:30 am.
