RACV offering free personalised transport for veterans on ANZAC Day
RSL Victoria is calling for veterans to take advantage of the personalised transport services provided free of charge by the RACV to veterans with mobility issues.
Amongst those using the service this year is RSL Victoria ANZAC Day Ambassador, Suzy Wilson. Ms Wilson is a veteran of the First Gulf War, having served as a radio operator on HMAS Westralia in 1990-91. She was one of seven women who served on the ship, the first-time women had served in a combat zone for the Australian Defence Forces.
“It is a real honour to be named as an Ambassador for the 2026 ANZAC Day March,” Suzy Wilson said. “I have knee injuries from my service and without the support of the RACV I would not have been able to take part in the march and represent all of the people who served in the First Gulf War on this important occasion.”
RACV General Manager Corporate Affairs Liz Carey is urging veterans not to miss out on the opportunity to march and to take up the free service from RACV.
“No veteran should miss the opportunity to be honoured by their community because of mobility issues or difficulties commuting to the March. This is a completely free, personalised service where veterans are matched with a dedicated volunteer driver who will pick them up from their home, transport them through the march from St. Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance, and drop them home at the end of the day,” Ms Carey said.
The theme of this years ANZAC Day march is Middle East Peacekeeping operations. The RSL will be paying special tribute to all the men and women who served in recent conflicts in the region, which includes the First and Second Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.
RSL Victoria President Mark Schroffel said the transport service offered in partnership with RACV is essential for the veteran community.
“Even many of our younger veterans carry physical injuries that make marching very difficult. This service is vital to ensure every veteran who wishes to take part can do so, whether they served in the Middle East, East Timor, Somalia, Cambodia or the Solomon Islands,” Mr Schroffel said.
“It is so important that veterans from more recent conflicts take part in ANZAC Day and be acknowledged for their service” Suzy Wilson said. “I encourage any veteran who has difficulty with marching because of their injuries to take up this free service and join with me on 25 April so that our service is not forgotten.”
