The NSW Taxi Council, in partnership with RSL NSW, worked with Member Taxi Service Providers to ensure that Veterans were given the opportunity to attend the Anzac Day march on Monday 25th April 2022.
NSW Taxi Council Deputy CEO said, “If it wasn’t for the generosity displayed by Taxi Service Providers and their Drivers, the opportunity would not be possible to transport Veterans who otherwise could not participate in the march.”
We also appreciate the support provided by Representatives from a range of agencies including – NSW Police, RSL NSW, Customer Journey & Planning as well as the Department of Premier and Cabinet for their support and coordination in the lead up to and during the event.
The NSW Police led two Taxi convoys – one coming from the RSL Lifehouse at Narrabeen Village and the other from Abercrombie Street, Sydney. There were a total of 20 Taxis participating in the march this year.
Taxi Drivers were honoured and privileged to transport the Veterans, including a few who were approaching the 100 year age group.
For one Veteran, Gordon Willoughby, aged 99 years, attending the Anzac Day march was an opportunity to remember his mates. Gordon paid his respects to two mates from the same family who never made it back. Gordon thanked the NSW Taxi Council and the drivers for transporting him to the march. Gordon went on to say, “because if it wasn’t for the Taxis, I could not be here. God bless the Taxi Service”.
For another Veteran, Guy Griffiths, Anzac Day was an opportunity to meet up with a lot of Veterans he served with, including WW2, Korea and Vietnam. Guy reflected on the service he received from Taxis stating that it was “Outstanding”.
Betty Niblett, a Veteran who joined in 1953 noted that Anzac Day was an important time to remember her father and uncles. Betty went on to state that in 1955 she was part of the establishment of the first Women’s Military Police, a legacy which continues on today.
Bill Chaffey, a World War 2 Veteran, reflected on Anzac Day as a remembrance day – remembering those who are here and those who are not here. Bill also stated that, “If it wasn’t for the NSW Taxi Council, the Drivers and the Volunteers, he could not take part in this magnificent celebration of the lives of those who are not here”.
The NSW Taxi Council once again thanks all those who played a part in making the Anzac Day commemorations a success, particularly for those Veterans who relied on our services to take part.
Lest We Forget.
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