It follows the lead organiser’s announcement this year’s commemorative service, held on July 1, would be the city’s last. 

With no one to take the place of the event’s committee members, who were “getting on in age”, a state-wide call was made to can the day.

Hundreds filled Victory Memorial Gardens for this year’s commemoration on Sunday, recognising the service and sacrifice of the part-time military for the last time.

But Wagga man Paul Kerr said residents were willing to take up the gauntlet. 

Mr Kerr – now a reservist – said it was easy for residents to forget about part-time soldiers, airmen and seamen, with an emphasis often placed on the efforts of the Australian Defence Forces’ full-time members.

“It’s still important to remember the men and women, who give up their nights and some weekends to serve,” Mr Kerr said. 

“Army couldn’t run without reservists.” 

It is the reason the 56-year-old said he would push to keep Reserve Forces Day running.

Mr Kerr said he understood the reason behind the call to discontinue the service.  

But the former Navy sailor said it was worth fighting for. 

“There’s more passion than what’s realised,” Mr Kerr said. 

“There are a bunch of younger reservists I know willing to contribute.”

Former organiser John Ploenges said Wagga’s committee and others across the state had decided to disband after 2018.

It was a move the coordinator for eight years labelled disappointing but necessary. 

He said he would be happy to hear from and to help others looking to launch a fresh committee. 

He said it was a worthwhile cause, but one he had to step down from. 

“(Reservists) are able to replace the regular soldiers if need be,” Mr Ploenges had said. 

“They are very highly trained and they have a lot of skills.”

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