The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs is pleased to announce the donation of $10,000.00 from proceeds of the Club’s limited edition ANZAC Round jersey to the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway (KTMW) is a local memorial walkway that serves our community as an education resource and principle site of commemoration.
The ANZAC Round jerseys, which were worn by players during the match, were auctioned so that the proceeds could be generously gifted to the memorial walkway.
The club today announced the donation, following a special commemorative on-site service at the Concord-based walkway, where Bulldogs executives and Bulldogs great Andrew Ryan, came together with over 400 veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, representatives of Diplomatic Corp from NZ, UK, USA and Turkey, State and Federal members of Parliament, school groups and members of the community to pay their respects in honour of Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15).
Among the distinguished guests were Bruce Robertson (104) and Reg Chard (99), two of the last surviving World War II veterans.
Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton said the conservation of wartime stories was an important thing for future generations and applauded the work that the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway does in preserving the memory of those who fought for our freedom:
“The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway has been a beacon of remembrance, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The walkway and its Board, staff and volunteers all play an integral role in educating the local community about the history of the Kokoda Track and its profound significance in Australian armed forces history.
I take immense pride in our association with the Walkway, and we hold a shared commitment to preserving the memory of those who fought for our freedom. We are a community club, and our contribution comes off the back of our incredible community coming together to honour and remember our Fallen Heroes.
“The walkway honours all those who fought and served for Australia in World War II and it is a fitting time to announce our support for the conservation of their heroics as we reflect on VP Day.”
VP (Victory in the Pacific) is celebrated on August 15, as the date commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender 14 August 1945. For Australians, it meant that the Second World War was finally over.
For over 25 years, the Walkway has proudly hosted regular commemorative services, including the three main formal services of Anzac Day, VP Day and Kokoda Day (November 3).
The public are welcome to attend any scheduled service at the Walkway, as well as visit at any time (free of charge) to enjoy the Walkway features including a Memorial Rose Garden and over 500 memorial plaques – many dedicated to individuals, units and groups who served, which spans more than 800 metres from Rhodes railway station to Concord Repatriation General Hospital and along the shores of Brays Bay on the Parramatta River.
Community groups including schools can book guided tours, and visitors can hear from over 16 veterans in the Ralph Honnor Education Centre. Sadly, while most of these men have passed, these interviews provide a unique opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of the conditions leading up to, and during the battles of the Kokoda Track.
To find out more information, visit: https://www.kokodawalkway.com.au/
