MORE than 4000 people will participate in Anzac Day Services across the Douglas Shire tomorrow.

This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and also 100 years since Australians, including many from the Douglas Shire, led the way in some of the fiercest battles on the killing fields of the Western Front.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the sheer volume of participation in Mossman, Port Douglas and Cow Bay signified the importance the region placed on the day.

“It’s a tremendous reflection of the respect our community has for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country,” Leu said.

“Anzac Day is the most important day on our community calendar.”

Leu said Council, with the support of the Mossman RSL Sub-Branch and Mossman SES, are providing a free breakfast immediately after the Mossman and Cow Bay Dawn services tomorrow.

“The free community breakfast gives members of the community the chance to share this special day with the returned local soldiers,” she said.

“They may also learn a little more about some of the local soldiers who fought in World War 1 with memorabilia on display at the breakfasts, and footage shown of World War 1.”

The Daintree Ferry will be open from 4am tomorrow morning for those attending the Cow Bay Dawn Service at the Cenotaph at 4.45am.

The Mossman Dawn Service will be held at 5.30am at the Mossman Cenotaph on Front Street, while the annual Anzac Day Parade in Port Douglas will kick off from 10.15am on Macrossan Street, followed by a ceremony at Anzac Park.

The Central Hotel will also open its doors from 11am for its famous ‘two-up’ ring. The game has been played by Australian Diggers in all conflicts and has become synonymous with Anzac Day. It’s the only day the game is legal in Australia.

The Port Douglas State School is holding a special Anzac Day ceremony at the school from 2pm today.


YOUR GUIDE TO ANZAC DAY SERVICES IN THE DOUGLAS SHIRE

Mossman
Dawn Service - 5.30am
Mossman Cenotaph,
64-66 Front St

Free Community Breakfast to follow at the Mossman Indoor Sports Complex.

Cow Bay
Dawn Service - 4.45am
Cow Bay Cenotaph,
Cape Tribulation Road

Free community breakfast to follow at Cow Bay Hotel

Port Douglas
Anzac Day Parade - 10.15am
Macrossan Street

Ceremony - 10.30am
Anzac Park,
Wharf Street


TRANSPORT AND ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION:
Macrossan St in Port Douglas will be closed from Grant St to Wharf St from 9.30-11am, and Cape Tribulation Rd will be closed at Cow Bay from 4.30-6am on Anzac Day.

The Daintree Ferry will be open from 4am in the morning.

Will you be attending any Anzac Day services? Let us know in the comments below!

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