Tag Archives: oceania

Crowd lifts car out of the way of Anzac ceremony in New Zealand

A car that had been parked in the way of a New Zealand Anzac ceremony was moved thanks to a bit of people power this morning.

Before the dawn service could begin in front of the cenotaph in New Plymouth, members of the public were urged to join in an attempt to move the car.

It had been blocking the view of veterans who were seated for the ceremony.

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Crowd lifts car out of the way of Anzac ceremony in New Plymouth New Zealand

Organisers could be heard over the loudspeaker calling for "a few muscle men out there".

After several attempts, the numbers grew to a point they were collectively able to lift the car a short distance and somewhat out of the way.

Reuben Doyle, who was at the ceremony told 1News, that most of the attendees thought it was "pretty funny".

READ MORE: Dozens of whales die after four pods become beached in WA's south

"People seemed to think that it was good Anzac spirit," he said.

After multiple attempts and countdowns, the car was able to be hauled onto a kerb, resulting in an applause from the crowd.

Footage of the event made it onto social media, with some expressing concern for the owner and the possible state of his car.

"That's one famous car and one embarrassed owner to be remembered," one commenter said.

This story originally appeared on Stuff and has been reproduced with permission. 

Thousands support veterans a week after RSL sub-branch venue burnt down

A Victorian community has rallied behind local veterans a week after their RSL clubroom was destroyed by fire.

A record number turned out to this morning's Anzac service to show their support and help raise funds to rebuild Gisborne RSL sub-branch.

Diggers who lost their meeting place were bolstered by a crowd of thousands.

READ MORE: Gardener arrested after man found dead, woman seriously injured

A Victorian community has rallied behind local veterans a week after their RSL club was destroyed by fire. A record number turned out to this morning's service to show their support and help raise funds to rebuild. Diggers who lost their meeting place in the heart of Gisborne were bolstered by a crowd of thousands this morning.

RSL member Carlie Prictor said it was amazing to see the support from the community.

"It's been overwhelming," Prictor said.

"We've had it not only from our Gisborne community but RSL sub-branches from all over Victoria."

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An electrical fault sparked the fire and destroyed the sub-branch at the Gisborne Golf Club just over a week ago.

An electrical fault sparked the fire and destroyed the sub-branch at the Gisborne Golf Club just over a week ago.

Precious memorabilia and historical records were also lost in the fire but the community has rallied around the club ever since.

"People coming up to us and saying, 'What can we do to donate? We'd like to donate, have you got a fund?'" Gisborne RSL member Norman Smith said.

From Anzac badges to biscuits, sales have boomed to support the club.

READ MORE: Dozens of whales die after four pods become beached in WA's south

Sub-branch secretary Daniel Hall said his phone had been "going absolutely ballistic" with offers of help and donations, which showed a sense of community.

"It's more important than anything else," Hall said.

"People need to be remembered for what they sacrificed."

It could take years before the rebuilding process can start, but the Gisborne branch will continue to meet. 

When it comes to venues, there has also been no shortage of offers.

"We'll work with the golf club and we will rebuild," Hall said.

"With the community's help we'll hopefully come back bigger and stronger."