Anzac Day musicians wanted

Busselton RSL vice-president Grant Henley is on the search for singers and musicians to perform at this year’s Anzac Day ceremony.

Mr Henley is calling for talented people to help make the April 25 event one to remember.

“It’s the build-up to the Anzac Day centenary, so we’re looking at doing a couple of things a bit differently with the musical acts, ” he said.

“I’m looking for local performers to perform some songs and refresh and diversify the performance.

“I don’t want to say too much because we’d like it to be a surprise, but we’re thinking along the lines of Adam Brand’s The Anzac and Eric Bogle’s The Band Played Waltzing Matilda.”

Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since Australia’s involvement in World War I.

From October 31 to November 2, the country will commemorate the centenary of the departure of the first convoy of ships carrying Anzac troops from Albany on November 1, 1914.

Mr Henley said he expected this year’s Anzac Day to be well attended by the community and visitors alike.

Busselton musician Bonnie Regan has performed I was Only 19 by Redgum at the Anzac Day ceremony for the past two years and will appear again at this year’s ceremony.

“It’s such a powerful song and seeing a few of the old men choking up, it’s hard to keep your composure, ” she said.

“The veterans appreciate it when they see young people participating in the ceremony … it means so much to them.”

Singers and musicians looking for more information on how to get involved in this year’s Anzac service can call Grant Henley on 0450 281 200.