Narooma RSL Sub Branch president Paul Naylor has announced that Narooma is taking a unique approach inviting the public to take part in the day to remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations.

“I am pleased to announce that the Narooma RSL Sub Branch has developed a unique way to commemorate the 100 years of the Gallipoli landing, a commemoration that will last longer than the traditional one day and that will enable the community to get actively involved,” he said.

Ian Noormets, pension /welfare officer, will be the project administrator.

“Our unique approach will to address commemoration, public education where needed, and the linking of the past with present service personnel,” Mr Noormets said.

“We have identified two areas that we plan to concentrate on.

“The first is the plight of the Australian E Class submarine No2 (AE2) crew that were imprisoned, focusing on those who died in captivity,” he said.

“The second area we would like to draw attention to is the members of the Australian Light Horse who were killed in action on the day of the Charge of Beersheba on October 31, 1917.

“Schools, families, service clubs and individuals are invited by the Sub Branch to get involved in the development of a Light Horse diorama which will be displayed in the foyer of Club Narooma between April 25, 2015 and April 20, 2016.

“After it has been on display for this period, the final stage will be the auctioning of the display in the late 2016 with funds raised being donated to ‘Defence Care’,” he said.

Throughout the feasibility study stage support from a particular Narooma business was given offering technical advice on the display design, and this was most appreciated.

Mr Noormets said the first secretary of the Turkish Embassy in Canberra had offered the embassy’s assistance, while physical stocks started to appear that were purchased by community members, he said.

“These early actions demonstrate to us that the subject of our boys and girls in conflict seems to bind our nation together.”

For further details Ian Noormets can be contacted at Club Narooma on 4476 2135 most Wednesday mornings.

Ian also has an electronic presentation and is willing to talk to groups, schools, clubs and other organizations if requested.

Funds for Defence Care

DEFENCE Care is an approved charity that looks after the needs of serving and ex-service men and women, when they are in need, or down on their luck and needing a helping hand.

“The Light Horse cannot physically play a part in this project however, individual members of the community will be able to become honorary representatives of the miniature Light Horse figurines by becoming a part of the team that develops this diorama,” RSL Sub Branch president, Mr Naylor said.

“By purchasing a figure or donating funds people will be entrusted with the spirit of mateship that can be passed on to servicemen and women of current campaigns via the nominated charity,” he said.

“We cannot match the Federal Governments expenditure on this commemoration, however, our community can stand up and demonstrate how proud we are of our young men and women that came from small towns to answer the call of the nation,” Mr Naylor said.