The pace of life is quickening for Millicent RSL president Chris Mathias as preparations are already under way for next month’s annual commemoration of Anzac Day.

A heavy organisational load is borne at this time of the year by Mr Mathias and his fellow RSL members.

They will be joined by hundreds of their fellow Millicent residents at the two Anzac Day ceremonies at the Millicent Cross of Sacrifice on April 25.

For Mr Mathias, the Anzac Day preparations follow his service to his country as a member of the Australian Regular Army.

He moved to Millicent for his retirement years almost a decade ago and is also heavily involved in such local organisations as the Men’s Shed and the CFS.

The RSL leader is pleased that some new and returning features will be a part of Anzac Day in Millicent in 2022 after COVID protocols disrupted the past two commemorations.

“In association with the Millicent Lions Club, we can again offer a cooked breakfast in the Millicent RSL Hall after the dawn service,” Mr Mathias said.

“Over 200 are expected and donations will be accepted for the Anzac Appeal.

“We are pleased to welcome uniformed mounted horsemen from the Third Lighthorse Re-enactment Troop from Naracoorte who will be taking part in the mid-morning street march.

“The catafalque party will be mounted by cadets from the Air Training Corps in Mount Gambier.

“The two Anzac Day services in Millicent will be led by our RSL chaplain and retired minister Pastor Paul Hales.”

Anzac Day commemorates the landing of Allied troops at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

It was the first time Australian troops had gone into battle during World War I.