For St Andrew’s Clinical Anaesthetics Specialist Nurse and Afghanistan Veteran Josh Hawkins, ANZAC Day is about taking the time to pause and remember all those who went before him in service to our country, particularly his Great-Grandfather Reginald Hawkins who served and was taken Prisoner of War in World War I, while also taking time to reflect on his own service and the people he served and deployed with.
Outside of his full-time working commitments in the St Andrew’s operating theatres, Josh, a former Light Armoured Crewman co-chairs the Toowoomba ANZAC Day planning committee and is a member of the Toowoomba RSL and Young Veterans Toowoomba, responsible for planning and coordinating with Toowoomba Regional Council local events and services including the Dawn Service, Wreath Laying Service and Parade Service.
On Tuesday, Josh with his two children Harlin and Arianna, will carry the Torch of Remembrance into the Dawn Service at Toowoomba’s Mother’s Memorial, with niece Maddison also joining in as a wreath bearer.
The Toowoomba community are invited to be involved in events and commemorations throughout the day. “It means a lot to all of us to see people coming out to pay their respects to the fallen and those who have returned,” Josh said.
“The Toowoomba RSL has put a lot of effort into organising the Goods Shed for the traditional Gunfire Breakfast and day of activities,” he said.
When all official events are over, Josh will join his wife and family and other local veterans at the Goods Shed to enjoy some cold drinks and a few rounds of Two Up.
ANZAC Day
Tuesday 25th April, 2023
Mother’s Memorial
Dawn Service of Remembrance at 5.15AM
Citizen’s Wreath Laying Ceremony at 9.00AM
Mid-Morning Service of Remembrance at 10.00AM
Following the Dawn Service, the Railway Goods Shed, (3 Victoria Street) will host the traditional Gunfire Breakfast and a day of activities.
For more information, visit www.trsl.org.au