RSL appeal organisers at all sub-branches throughout Victoria have been out and about selling badges for the 2019 ANZAC Appeal from April 1.

President of the Orbost sub-branch, Dick Roebuck, is confident the local community will once again generously support the RSL’s annual ANZAC Appeal.

“Our RSL volunteers, some of them veterans, are ready to offer a variety of ANZAC Appeal badges. The high level of energy and commitment shown by our sub-branch volunteers as they raise the much needed funds, is truly humbling,” Mr Roebuck said.

“Each and every volunteer is determined to get into the community and not only sell ANZAC Appeal badges, but share their stories and experiences. I would also like to thank the members of our local community who so generously support the ANZAC Appeal and our veterans.”

A number of ANZAC Day events will take place across East Gippsland tomorrow, including two services in Orbost.

“We expect many children will come along with their parents and friends and attend either the dawn service at 6am or participate in the ANZAC parade and main commemoration service commencing at 10.50am. Some people actually come along to both events,” Mr Roebuck said.

“The Gippsland 13th Light Horse Association will again be a key feature of the dawn service. The horses and their riders make a magnificent contribution to the service. They seem to instill a tranquil reverence and evoke a sense of pride in those gathered to pay their respects to the fallen.”

Wing Commander Ashley Howell, of RAAF Base East Sale, and Orbost Secondary College student, Taylah Russell, will speak at the dawn service. Those attending will have an opportunity to lay a wreath during the service.

After the dawn service, a gunfire breakfast will be on offer at the Club Hotel with a small admission price. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a game of Two-Up at the Club Hotel.

The ANZAC Day parade will assemble at Voss Motors at 10.40am, stepping off at 10.50am to march to the cenotaph in Nicholson Street. On completion of the parade the main commemoration service will be held at the cenotaph.

Wing Commander Ashley Howell will be guest speaker at the mid-morning service. East Gippsland Shire councillor, Marianne Pelz, will also address those assembled as will Orbost Secondary College captains, Tully Humphreys and Will Walker.

Orbost RSL sub-branch will also conduct a special memorial service today at 11am at Lochiel House.

An ANZAC Day commemorative service will also be held in Bemm River with a march stepping of at 10.45am from the intersection of Sydenham Parade and Sydenham Inlet Road, headed for the cenotaph in Luderick Park where the service will take place at 11am.

Drinks and refreshments will be served at the Bemm River Hotel after the service.

At Cann River a dawn service at the memorial cenotaph, commencing at 5.30am, will include music and a breakfast provided by local SES volunteers.

Then at 10.30am participants will gather for the 11am service, again at the cenotaph.

A dawn service will take place at Mallacoota’s Captain Stevenson’s Point. Those participating in the march to the cenotaph for a 11am service will gather at 10.45am near the roundabout.

Guest speaker at Mallacoota’s mid-morning service will be Wing Commander Jesse Laroche, of RAAF Base East Sale.

“The ANZAC Day services and parades are opportunities for the general public to honour and recognise those who have served and who currently serve in the defence of Australia and its interests,” Mr Roebuck said.

“It is an opportunity to especially remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice or otherwise suffered as a result of their service.

“We hope to see you there on ANZAC Day. Lest We Forget.”