Forresters Beach Retirement Village unveiling war memorial in time for Anzac Day

A new war memorial and flagpole will be unveiled at Forresters Beach Retirement Village as part of the Central Coast community’s annual Anzac Day commemoration.

The 19th April ceremony will include a catafalque party, bugler and keynote speaker from RAAF Williamtown, and attendance by Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride and State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch.

Representatives from the National Servicemen’s Association and the War Widows’ Guild, and students from Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College will also attend.

Village resident and retired RAAF engineering officer Doug Roser was instrumental in securing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs funding grant for the project.

“We want to recognise the men and women who served in the armed forces of Australia in all wars and conflicts,” he said.

“It’s something that the residents wanted and have organised themselves, and we’ve been able to do that thanks to the support of DVA and RetireAustralia.”

Forresters Beach village manager Colin Smith said he was extremely pleased to have the permanent memorial installed in the village.

“Everyone is proud and honoured to see the memorial and flagpole in place, and we will use it for services for many years to come” he said.

While the Anzac unveiling will be a special event for the village, residents are planning to put the memorial to use throughout the year, Doug said.

“We can use it for ceremonies recognising the police, ambulance and fire services, who all do a fantastic job,” he said.

“We will also get some volunteers together and fly the flag every day – it’ll be really good for the village.”

Forresters Beach Retirement Village offers relaxed and secure retirement living in peaceful surroundings. Visit retireaustralia.com.au/forrestersbeach for more information.