The local commemorative service was organised the Applecross RSL Sub-branch after the day was proclaimed by the Governor-General earlier in the year.

Battle for Australia Day will now be observed on the first Wednesday in September each year.

Cr Everett, who laid a wreath on behalf of the City of Melville, said Battle for Australia Day commemorated the service and sacrifice of all those who served in defence of Australia in 1942 and 1943 when Australia was threatened with invasion. “There were direct attacks on the Australian mainland, particularly in Darwin, and battles in the Coral Sea and Papua New Guinea, including Milne Bay and the Kokoda Track,” he said.

Prime Minister John Curtin announced the Battle for Australia when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942. However, the first Wednesday in September has been chosen by the veteran community as it represents the first defeat of Japanese forces on land in the Battle of Milne Bay.

The Civic Square Clock Tower service included a speech by Applecross RSL Sub-branch President Jim Frawley and The Last Post and Reveille by bugler Tyson Lebrun, a student from Applecross Senior High School.

The Applecross RSL Sub-branch plans to hold a service at the clock tower each year to commemorate Battle for Australia Day.