Anzac Day commemorations will take place across the City of Playford on Wednesday, 25 April, honouring those Australians who served in our nation’s defence forces.

The City of Playford has a significant military history, with 24 young men from the local communities of One Tree Hill, Virginia, Smithfield and Penfield dying in action during the Great War, which took place from 1914 to 1918.

Today, RAAF Base Edinburgh is located near Elizabeth and is base for 3500 military personnel serving in the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army.

City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the community’s long defence history means it is important to commemorate Anzac Day in a respectful and traditional fashion.

“It is not only important to recognise the sacrifice made by the 24 young local men who went to World War One and never came back, but also the service contributions of those defence force personnel based at Edinburgh and who live within our community today,” Mayor Docherty said.

Fitting tributeThe City of Playford commemorations start at 7.30pm on Tuesday, 24 April, with an overnight vigil held at the Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield.

Young people from the Australian Navy Cadets, Ridley District Scouts and St John Cadets stand guard at the gardens’ cross of sacrifice in a fitting tribute to those who have served in Australia’s defence forces.

A dawn service led by Mayor Docherty and Pastor Bryan Sellers will then be held from 6am on Wednesday, 25 April.

Other dawn services are held by the Playford community at One Tree Hill, Elizabeth RSL and the Elizabeth and Salisbury Naval Association of Australia.

All are welcome to attend. City of Playford services: Overnight Vigil

Tuesday 24 April, 7.30pm

Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield Dawn Service

Wednesday 25 April, 6am

Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield

All welcome to lay a wreath or book tribute

Breakfast available for purchase at the conclusion of the service at the Smithfield Sports and Social Club. Other local services: Grenville Players Anzac Day Tribute

Tuesday 24 April, 1.30pm

Grenville Community Connections Hub, 8 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth

Free entertainment and low-cost lunch available.

Phone: 8256 0377 Dawn Service, One Tree Hill Progress Association

Wednesday 25 April, 6am

One Tree Hill Institute, Black Top Road, One Tree Hill

Phone: 8280 7095 Dawn Service, Elizabeth RSL Club

Wednesday 25 April, 5.45am

Corner of Midway Road and Halsey Road, Elizabeth East

Phone: 8255 7670 Dawn Service, Elizabeth and Salisbury Naval Association of Australia (SA)

Wednesday 25 April, 6am

Club Room, 8 Chivell Street, Elizabeth South

Phone: 8252 1351 (business hours) or 8255 7840 (after hours)