This Anzac Day,  Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC), Cr Tracy Dobie, will be hosting esteemed members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Reviewing officers will attend Anzac Day services in Stanthorpe and Warwick, when the region will pay its respects to and reflect upon those who have served Australia in conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping operations. Stanthorpe born Lieutenant Colonel Alyson Auliff from the ADF Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute in Brisbane will serve as Reviewing Officer at Stanthorpe’s Anzac Day service.

Lt Col Auliff has completed numerous overseas deployments since joining the ADF in 2000. She was awarded a Doctorate from the University of Queensland in 2012 for her PhD and has published 16 scientific publications in international peer reviewed journals. Meanwhile, Air Commodore Andrew Elfverson from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has accepted an invitation to be Reviewing Officer at Warwick’s Anzac Day service. Air Cdre Elfverson is the highest ranking officer to serve as Reviewing Officer in Warwick, his rank is equivalent to that of a Brigadier General in the Army. He is currently Deputy Head Reserve and Youth Division/Deputy Commander ADF Cadets within the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group based in Canberra. In July, he will take up the role of Director General Air Force 2021 (Air Forces’ Centenary Project).

Cr Tracy Dobie said Anzac Day is an important part of the Australian narrative and our national identity. “The qualities of the Anzacs – courage, mateship, endurance, and sacrifice-help define what it means to be Australian,” Cr Dobie said. She continued, “I call on all residents to attend a service, to come together to honour the Anzac spirit and remember the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and continue to serve, our nation. I will be attending the dawn service in Warwick, the War Graves, and the service at Leslie Park. I am honoured to welcome Air Cdre Elfverson and LtCol Auliff to help us pay tribute to the Anzacs and mark this important occasion.”

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