Aust element in Anzac events

Gary Kircher.
Gary Kircher.
Anzac service organisers in the Waitaki district are being encouraged by Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher to ''use Australian elements as much as possible'' this year.

Parades and services are being organised by the Upper Waitaki and Palmerston Returned and Services Associations.

In Oamaru, because the North Otago RSA went into liquidation, they are being organised by its former president, John Longman, with Mr Kircher co-ordinating events throughout the district.

Several Central Otago This year, for the first time, Anzac Day services will feature Australian components.

Mr Kircher said the Australian national anthem would be played as part of Waitaki ceremonies where applicable and he hoped the Australian flag would also be used.

The Oamaru dawn service and main parade had always had the Australian flag.

Australian former service people in the area would be involved where possible.

Australian High Commissioner Michael Potts, on a recent visit to Oamaru, had asked Mr Kircher if he could send a message to be read at local services.

Mr Potts was also going to see if he could send down an Australian armed services' representative, who could travel around to Anzac events in the district.

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