End of Corvettes Anzac Day Service at Newstead Park

By Bella Duncan

For many years, the Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Association (Queensland) has conducted a commemorative Anzac Day service at the Corvettes Memorial in Newstead Park.

The ceremony has provided an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the Royal Australian Navy’s “little ships” and their crews and has been warmly supported by both Association members and local residents.

However, after careful consideration, the Association has made the difficult decision to conclude the service from 2026 onwards due to declining member attendance.

Association representative Bob Devereaux said the decision had been a long time coming.

“The Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Association Qld has for many years conducted a service at the Corvettes Memorial in Newstead Park to commemorate Anzac Day,” he said.

“This was always well attended by our members, and local residents also joined us.

“Sadly, over the past few years our member numbers able to attend have dropped dramatically.

“While still maintaining our pride in what the little ships and their crews achieved during the war, the Association has now, with much regret, found it can no longer continue with this ceremony in 2026 and beyond.”

The Association extends its sincere thanks to the local community for its ongoing support and participation over the years and remains committed to honouring the legacy of the corvettes and their crews.

Lest we forget.