Jan Juc’s Jessica Sherman has saved the day just as Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler was becoming desperate for someone to sing the New Zealand national anthem at Torquay’s Anzac Day dawn service.
Ms Sherman, who has lived on the Surf Coast for eight years, answered the plea for a local singer to come forward after a Kiwi friend let her know of the RSL’s search.
“Luckily, another local New Zealander pointed out the RSL’s need for a singer of the NZ anthem and suggested Jessica apply for the early morning gig,” Mr Tyler said.
“Torquay’s Georgia Nichols, who has performed Australia’s anthem so well in previous years, will sing it again this year.”
The dawn service will be held at Point Danger at 6am on April 25.
Mr Tyler declared Jessica’s appearance had taken a load from his shoulders, enabling planning for the service to return to a dawn service more like Torquay’s had been before the pandemic.
“We have been very restricted in presentation of our dawn service over the past three years, but, depending on funding, we should have a great commemoration, ending as the sun rises on Anzac Day.
“Once again, we are able to include our march which will involve veterans of all ages marching to Point Danger from their assembly point at the corner of Bell Street and The Esplanade.”
