Engadine RSL sub-Branch conducts the event each year on the Sunday before Anzac Day. Picture by Murray Trembath

Anzac Day commemoration services in Sutherland Shire will begin on Sunday April 19 with a community street march followed by a ceremony in Engadine Town Square.

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Engadine RSL sub-Branch conducts the event each year on the Sunday before Anzac Day.

The march will begin at 2.15pm from the water tower / John Keenan Park and proceed along Old Princes Highway. The service will start at 2.30pm.

A Dawn Service will also be held at Engadine on Anzac Day, starting at 5.30am.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, members of the Engadine and Cronulla RSL sub-Branches came together to pack and deliver hundreds of care packages for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed on operations overseas.

Volunteers packed 262 care packages, each weighing approximately two kilograms, totalling 524kg.

Engadine RSL sub-Branch volunteers with Anzac Care Packages at Club Engadine RSL. Picture supplied

The packages included a mix of non-perishable food items and personal comforts. With favourites such as Tim Tams, BBQ Shapes and lollies featuring prominently, along with letters and drawings from children across NSW.

The initiative, led by the Engadine RSL sub-Branch, is a long-running welfare project designed to provide practical support and a sense of connection to deployed personnel.

The inclusion of handwritten messages from students remains a defining feature, offering a reminder to service members that they are supported by the community back home.

A child's artwork included in a care package. Picture supplied

Brad Copelin, President of the Engadine RSL sub-Branch, said the project continued to highlight the importance of community connection.

From my own experience, when youre deployed away from home, its often the small things that matter most," he said.

"A care package and a handwritten letter can cut through the distance and remind you that people back home are thinking of you.

The project continues to receive strong support from local schools, early learning centres and community groups.

Participants this year included Engadine West Public School, Loftus Public School, Minerva School, Gymea Bay OOSH, Our Lady of Mercy College, Dunlea Centre, Blossom Kindergarten, Kurnell Preschool, Robertson Street Kindy, Balgownie ELC, Bela Babes ELC, Ashbear ELC and Nickys Kids Town Child Care Centres.

Support from local organisations also played a key role. Club Engadine RSL and Cronulla RSL provided ongoing assistance.

Items that could not be included in the packages due to ADF regulations were donated to One Meal, supporting vulnerable members of the local community.