By Tyler Wright
The Dandenong Ranges RSL will hold their annual ANZAC dinner on Friday 22 April with evening attire the dress code and miniature medals recommended.
Dine Divine Sassafras will be catering the event with a pre-dinner drink, three-course meal and an after-dinner Port for $60 a ticket.
Bob Richards is the RSL President and retired Commodore of the Australian Navy.
He said while members of the RSL gather every couple of weeks, their ANZAC dinner is a more significant affair with speeches as well as dining on the night.
“It’s a way of our members getting together socializing, and same time remembering what Anzac Day is all about,” Mr Richards said.
“Most of our members are either ex-serving members or they’re affiliate members of the RSL. So that means they have they have husbands, wives, fathers, grandfathers, someone who has served in the military. So it’s our way of commemorating the deeds of our forebears and the veterans in our lives.”
The retired navy veteran said there is a strong local response on ANZAC Day and the RSL receives “very strong” support from the community.
“It’s really pleasing as a veteran to have that strong support from the community and for the community to feel so strongly that it’s important that we honor those who have served this country.
“We normally have about 50 people who come to chance to get dressed up in our finery and have an enjoyable evening together.
“Our membership is very keen on having having the events and being able to get together and remember the deeds of our forebears.”
On ANZAC Day there is a Dawn Service in Ferny Creek, and a commemorative service and march in Sassafras at 10:30 am.
Mr Richards said the war in Ukraine is a reminder of the sacrifices people make to defend their countries; and ANZAC Day is an important day to remember that sacrifice too.
“It’s not a dinner just for members of the RSL or for veterans, any member of the public who wants to book and register they’re most welcome to come along and join us.”
For members of the community wanting to attend, you can find available tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=875157&
