The Tamworth Business Chamber, in conjunction with Defence Reserve Support and Tamworth Regional Council, will host the Anzac Centenary Breakfast at Wests’ Diggers to recognise Tamworth’s role in World War I and its continued support of Defence Services. 

Tamworth Business Chamber president Tim Coates said the breakfast would commemorate the Anzac centenary, as well as saying thank you to the city’s recognised reserve-supportive employers. 

“The commitment of these local businesses to supporting Defence Reserves has led to Tamworth being named Australia’s first reserve-supportive city,” Mr Coates said.

“We are also recognising the important work of the local RSL sub-branch in supporting ex-service men and women, and their families.”  

In 2013, Tamworth became Australia’s first Defence Reserves-supportive employer city, with more than 200 businesses joining the Defence Reserves Supportive Employer program, indicating their support of employees who are defence reservists. The breakfast will also be a fundraiser for the Tamworth RSL Sub-branch, with $5 from each ticket being donated.

Major-General Iain Spence, head of the Cadet Reserve Support Division, will be the breakfast’s keynote speaker.

An academic at the Australian National University, Major-General Spence will focus on Australia’s involvement in World War I and the role local communities, including Tamworth, played.

Members of the public can purchase tickets by going to the chamber website www.tamworth. org.au or by calling 6766 4810.