In the wake of a recent scandal embroiling the NSW RSL, Wednesday will provide a day to both remember our Diggers and the way the clubs serve them best, according to Orange RSL senior vice-president Chris Colvin.

With an enquiry into NSW RSL ex-president Don Rowe’s misuse of spending delivered in February, Mr Colvin said it’s time to focus on what the club is good at.

“We need to get back to our grassroots and our commemorative events are something we’ve always done well,” he said.

“I believe under its new leadership the RSL will come back to what it should be.

“We look after the veterans and service people while they’re alive. If God forbid something happens to them, we should be there then too.”

Prior to his move to Orange, Mr Colvin was involved in organising the Anzac Day service with an RSL branch in Sydney, and said the committee here successfully engages with schools.

“We’re very grateful for the time and support of the students. They’ve made it more contemporary,” he said.

James Sheahan Catholic High School and Orange Anglican Grammar School (OAGS) take charge of proceedings on rotating years.

On Wednesday, OAGS school captain Laura Sharp will lead the main service at Robertson Park, which is expected to be attended by 12,000 people, according to Mr Colvin.

Mr Colvin said the nine months working with Miss Sharp has led him to believe they’re in very capable hands.

“I don’t think 17-year-old me would’ve been able to stand and speak in front of that many people,” said Mr Colvin.

Towards the end of the Vietnam War, Mr Colvin was called up as a national serviceman to train at Tin Can Bay, but a change of government saw Australian troops called home before his unit was deployed.

“We were trained by the best in the world. Yes, it was a relief [to not be deployed], but we were disappointed,” he said.

It is the dawn service which Mr Colvin expects will be the most emotional.

“The park is so tranquil. We light the cauldron and the didgeridoo is playing. It is very meaningful,” he said.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd will attend both services.

“[I] will take much pride in the ex-services women and men in the march, and the involvement of the schools in marching to show their respect,” Cr Kidd said.

“Of course I encourage as many that can to see this as a day of remembrance for those who have served our great country.”