Rathmines Catalina Association - 2026 ANZAC Service ·       

Organised by the Rathmines Catalina Association volunteers - another successful and very well attended ANZAC Day service was held at the Rathmines Catalina Memorial.

11 Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA, personnel were well represented, continuing their close association with the Rathmines RAAF Catalina Base and our Rathmines Catalina Association. Warrant Officer Tony Stevenson was the MC and CO of 11 Squadron, Wing Commander Melissa Houston gave the ANZAC Oration, detailing the role Catalinas played in the Battle of the Coral Sea and other other Catalina missions. 11 Squadron ChaplainPatrick Garton gave the Pastoral Address. 316 Squadron ATC Cadets provided the Catafalque Party and participated in the march.

Rathmines Public School has a long-term relationship with the RAAF base, they were well represented in the march and also laid a wreath.

The Honourable Greg Piper told the story of the naming of Stilling Street Rathmines - named after Wing Commander Gordon Stilling, a notable wartime officer associated with the base.  LMCC Deputy Mayor, Colin Grigg spoke and gave the prayer for peace. Wing Commander Rod Smallwood, retired, from the Toronto RSL Subbranch led the ODE.

Piper, Dennis Browning, led the march with his Bag Pipes and the Stilling Street Singers and Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band provided the harmony for the service with Kevin Breyley-Smith playing the Last Post and Rouse.

Anzac Day is a day for our nation to reflect - reconnect with our past, understand the present, and look to our future.

Lest We Forget

The Rathmines Catalina Association were awarded a grant from LMCC to assist in the costs associated with this ANZAC service - we acknowledge their support. 

Lest We Forget.