Tamworth female veterans to lead Anzac Day parade

Ms Lambkin, the Tamworth RLS sub-branch vice president and the only female on the NSW RLS board, says it’s a mistake that’s becoming common, because there are “so many female veterans who have been on active service and multiple deployments overseas”.

“They can be wearing quite a lot of medals,” she said.

“Older vets and the public don’t understand that these young women can have multiple medals on the left side of their uniform.”

This year, there is a national campaign called By The Left, encouraging female veterans to march as a large group at the front of this year’s Anzac Day parades.

“This is not just about the medals, it’s about women feeling comfortable coming out to march,” Ms Lambkin said.

“The average person’s idea of what a veteran marching on Anzac Day looks like, is an older gentleman getting helped along with a row of medals.

“People often don’t realise just how many female defence personnel there are, because they’re split up amongst the units. To have them all together in the one spot will be a carrying call, to show just how many female veterans there are.”

Ms Lambkin ​encouraged all female veterans and defence personnel, particularly those who have never marched, to get up the front of this year’s parade.

“If you don’t know anyone locally, you will be very welcome to come down and meet the regulars, who will welcome all with open arms,” she said.

By The Left refers to owners of medals wearing them on their left side, and stepping off on the left foot to march.