As ANZAC Day is fast approaching, I thought it an opportunity to focus on an individual who not only provided support for ANZAC Day in Western Australia but worked tirelessly for the welfare of the veteran community. Miss Mary Meares (1889 - 1964) served on a number of committees in WA, devoting her time to the welfare of wounded and blinded servicemen.
Awarded a certificate of merit by the RSL in 1921, Mary was involved in fundraising, visiting hospitals and organising social events to support the veteran community. Mary served with the British Army in WWII as a welfare officer attaining the rank of captain and was the foundation president of the returned ex-servicewomen sub-branch of the RSL in 1948.
Mary Meares was involved with arranging transport for ANZAC Day services for 41 years. Being asked by the first president of the League in WA Colonel Mansbridge to arrange transport for veterans requiring it for the march. She went on to fill the roll of Secretary of the transport committee which operated independently of the League with transport being extended to football and cricket games, royal visits and other official events.
The transport for ANZAC Day continues to be provided by volunteers, as it was for the first march in Perth and remains an important part of the organising of the event. It continues to be run independently of the League and provides many veterans with the opportunity to participate in the march.
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