This year promises to be unique and very exciting as we remember the northern Tasmanian Volunteers departing from Launceston railway station, bound for the Mona Vale (Ross) Training Camp.

After training as soldiers these troops travelled to Hobart and embarked for Europe during WW1. Special Guests include Members of Parliament, Mayor of Launceston and other V.I.P’s as well as Senior Officers of the Australian Defence Force, past and serving Reservists, Supporters of Australia’s Reserve Forces. Media are invited to attend.

ALL PAST AND PRESENT RESERVES FROM ALL SERVICES AS WELL AS SERVING OR PAST MEMBERS OF THE ADF ARE WELCOME TO MARCH.

WHERE: Old Launceston Railway Station Inveresk adjacent to the Queen V Museum
WHEN: 11am on 5th July 2015. VIPs seated in VIP section by 10.50 am.
DRESS: Military uniform as approved otherwise Dark jacket and tie, with decorations,
light trousers, black shoes and Military beret

WET WEATHER PLAN. If it is raining proceed into the QVMAG.

THE THEME FOR 2015

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Tram No. 14 will arrive at the old station by 1045 carrying persons in 1914 era dress and WW1 uniforms.

A spectacular parade will be held from up the southern end of the QVMAG marching to the old Launceston Railway station accompanied by the Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums.

Spectators may stand by the roadway leading to the old station building to view the march.

Taking part in the parade will be serving and former members of the three military services and a re-enactment group in WW1 uniforms.

The parade will march into position at 11am beside the old railway station.

MEMBERS ON PARADE

On parade will be serving and former members of the three services. Some will be in uniform and others will be in civilian attire. The majority, of course, are former members who are proud of their service and are keen to attend to show their support for current Reserve members.

BACKGROUND

Volunteers under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Sir Laurence Street AC KCMG QC formed the Reserve Forces Day Council in NSW in 1998. The inaugural National Chairman was the late Sir Roden Cutler VC AK KCMG KCVO CBE. After 15 years Sir Laurence retired and the National Chairman is the Honourable Tim Fischer AC. His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the national Patron-in-Chief for the Reserve Forces Day Council of Australia.

The Council in all states consists of serving and former members of the Services whom give of their time voluntarily to manage the Reserve Forces Day activities. The inaugural Reserve Forces Day celebrated the 50th anniversary of the reforming of the Citizen Military Forces after World War II on 1 July 1948.

The objective of the day is to raise the profile of the Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve Forces, to recognise serving and former Reservists and to thank families and employers for their support. In 1998 12 cities throughout the nation held parades with 22,000 serving and former members taking part. Such was the success of the 1998 event that parades and celebrations are now run annually throughout Australia. Many new Unit Associations were formed and existing Associations have enjoyed increases in their membership. The Unit Associations and their members still support the Australian Defence Force family and although they are no longer serving are keen to support the current Units. Last year 20 cities conducted parades and celebrations throughout Australia. In 2012 and 2014 Tasmania won “Best City” for its parade beating out all other Australian cities.

Sunday 5th JULY 2015
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
Convener: MIKE TURNER
0930 Locate Tram No. 1 which carried WW1 soldiers / recruits, to southern end of track followed by Tram No. 29 operating for rides and viewing

0925 Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums Band move to Parade formation area
Launceston Railway Silver Band move to Railway Station location

1030 WO1 Kieran Lennard – Parade formation – south side of the QV Museum Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums play at the Parade formation site

1030-1044 Launceston Railway Silver Band play at Railway Station location

1040 ETA Tram No. 29 disembark WW1 uniform personnel who move to Parade formation area

1045 Songbirds WW1 era songs at Railway Station location

MAJ Nic Chantler host VIPs to seating

1050 Parade March to Launceston Railway Station – Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums
Parade Commander: LCDR Stephen Hurd

1100 Commemoration MC FLTLT Ferdie Kroon – Welcome VIPs and Attendees

1115 His Worship Albert Van Zetten – ‘The value of military service volunteers’

1120 MAJ Andrew Farquhar – ‘Today’s Army Reserves and where they are serving’

1125 CMDR Stacey Porter – ‘Today’s Naval Reserve and Farewell’

1130 Mr Martin George Collection & Research Manager – QVMAG

1135 Launceston Tramways Museum – Dr Frank Madill – ‘Tram No. 1 (1914 use)’

1140 Songbirds WW1 era songs

1150 Commemoration MC FLTLT Ferdie Kroon (i) Thank – Launceston City Council, Songbirds, Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums Band, Launceston Railway Silver Band, QVMAG and Launceston Tramways Museum. (ii) Thank attendees, (iii) Hand over to Parade commander LCDR Stephen Hurd

1153 WO1 Kieran Lennard Parade march off to Launceston RSL Pipes and Drums

1157 Launceston Railway Silver Band play

Refreshments available Blue Café or museum Cafe

Download letter from the Prime Minister of Australia …

PM_letter.pdf
Mr Michael Turner – Deputy Chairman, Mr Denis Bignold – State Chairman, Mr Peter Bignold – Media Liaison