General News
20 April, 2026
RSL president on ground at Gallipoli
A CAIRNS veteran will travel to Turkey this month to help deliver ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli, marking a key moment in Australia’s military history.
Cairns RSL sub branch president Nathan Shingles said ANZAC Day provided an opportunity for Australians to honour those who served.
The Department of Veterans Affairs manages and supports overseas services in Turkey, France, Thailand, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea, offering selected veterans and family members the opportunity to participate in official commemorations.
Mr Shingles said the program had proven popular, with strong interest again this year.
“This year, 16 veterans and seven family members will attend overseas ANZAC Day services as part of the delivery team,” he said.
Their roles can include assisting with arrivals and departures, providing information to attendees, speaking at services and laying a wreath.
Mr Shingles said he was honoured to be selected to attend the Gallipoli service.
“This year, I’m privileged to help deliver the overseas ANZAC Day service on the ground at Gallipoli, Turkey,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be undertaking such an active role in keeping the memory alive with the regional ANZACs and all those who came after them.”
This year marks the 111th anniversary of the Allied landings at Gallipoli, where more than 75,000 Australians and New Zealanders served between April and December 1915, with more than 10,000 losing their lives.
The Cairns dawn service will begin at 5am on April 25 at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade.
“I encourage as many school children to get their parents out of bed and get down here,” he said.
“It’s important that they see the service and the sacrifice of our veteran community and are there to commemorate the ones who are not here anymore.”
