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Corrimal’s Anzac march has been saved by a last-minute pledge from a war veteran who owns a security company. It had been cancelled after police required additional security measures for the march that were beyond the reach of the small RSL sub-branch’s finances. On Friday Tom Pulleine, a veteran of the Iraq war and the Australian Army missions to East Timor and the Solomon Islands, confirmed he and his Parramatta-based company Mindset Securities, which employs veterans, would cover the costs. He said he and his partner, also a veteran, agreed immediately upon hearing of the predicament that they should step in and help. As if 17 years of military service and stepping in to save the Corrimal march wasn’t enough, Mr Pulleine, 39, was in the process of giving blood when the Mercury contacted him. “I’m a veteran so I wasn’t going to let it happen,” he said. “I’m concerned the police are making it too hard for them. “It’s easy for us to jump on board and say we can help them out there. “It’s just to make sure these guys get their march.” Police declined to say what the additional security measures involved, citing “operational reasons”. But the Mercury understands it involves barriers to close the street to protect against vehicle-based terror attacks such as this week’s in London. The Corrimal Diggers were told in meetings about the event that they could march on the footpath if they don’t pay for their own security. This was a “kick in the guts” to some veterans who march every year to remember their fallen comrades. The Corrimal RSL sub-branch had an extraordinary meeting this morning and accepted the offer. They are now waiting for paperwork to be complete and will then declare the march is back on for April 23. The Corrimal march is traditionally held the Sunday before Anzac Day as a prelude to the April 25 commemorations. Wollongong City Council has also agreed to contribute $2100 to traffic arrangements for the Corrimal dawn service on Anzac Day.

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