NATIONAL RESERVE FORCES DAY PARADE IN SYDNEY

WHAT:           National Reserve Forces Day Parade in Sydney to celebrate and commemorate Reservists’ vital contribution to the defence of Australia.

WHEN:           10.30am Sunday, 5 July 2009

WHO:             Dignitaries include Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP and Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AO DSC CSM.

WHERE:        Royal Botanic Gardens – The Sydney Domain, Hospital Road, Sydney.

Reserve Forces Day honours the service and achievements of Australia’s Reservists, both past and present, and also provides an opportunity to formally thank employers and families for their support of Reserve personnel.

This year’s parade will include massed brass and pipe military bands, 50 Association Standards and Banners, armored cars and a New South Wales Mounted Police and Light Horse Vice Regal escort bringing Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales to the parade.

The 2009 Reserve Forces Day celebrations will remember the 70 years since the mobilisation of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, Citizen’s Military Forces and Citizen’s Air Force. They will commemorate the significant contribution Reservists made to the raising of the 2^nd Australian Imperial Force and the Empire Air Training Scheme, as well as those Australians who volunteered to serve during World War II.

Media contacts:

Elyse Gatt (Dr. Mike Kelly):                                   02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246

Defence Media Liaison:                                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664