Historian and former Katherine MP Mike Reed today called the move a national disgrace.

Social media has lit up over the past day with Mayor Fay Miller telling media the costs of a second service is too high to be borne by ratepayers.

Media also reported the Mayor said the parade had been cancelled as well, although it is back on now after a late afternoon statement today.

In a joint statement from Katherine Town Council and the RSL Sub-branch this afternoon the council confirmed there would be a Dawn Service at the Katherine Cenotaph from 6am.

The full statement:

THE 2019 SPIRIT OF ANZAC WILL BE ON KATHERINE TERRACE

2019 ANZAC Day will be commemorated in the true spirit of the ANZACs, with a Dawn Service at the Katherine Cenotaph, commencing 06:00 hrs on 25th of April 2019.

As a result of meetings held earlier this week between all parties, we can confirm that the associated community march will commence at 09:00 hrs, with step off at the eastern end and march along Katherine Terrace breaking off at the Cenotaph. This march will be proudly supported by personnel from RAAF Base Tindal, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Northern Territory Police and RSL and we welcome the involvement of all in the community who wish to march.

The RSL will be hosting the proposed traditional Gunfire Breakfast from 05:00 hrs at the Katherine Club, on O'Shea Terrace and the breakfast at the conclusion of the Dawn Service.

A special memorial dedication for fallen soldier Private Scott Palmer will be conducted at the Cenotaph after the march at 09.40 hrs. The Katherine Community is then invited back to the Katherine Club to help celebrate the day with light refreshments and traditional two up.

In a joint decision between Katherine RSL-Sub Branch and Katherine Town Council, the 10:00 hrs service held in past years will no longer occur. Across Australia, New Zealand and indeed across the globe, ANZAC services are always traditionally held at Dawn, where the true essence of ANZAC Day is captured.

Katherine RSL and Katherine Town Council believe the 09:00 hrs march will have a wider appeal and encourage greater numbers to participate.

How do I register my participation for ANZAC Day?

The Katherine RSL Sub-Branch will be your point of contact for those wishing to participate in the march and/or to lay wreaths at the Dawn Service.

The RSL can be contacted via email katherine@rslsa.org.au; or by calling the RSL President 0407 130 096 or RSL Secretary 0407 130 095.

We acknowledge the support of the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and Northern Territory Police in assisting with traffic management. Variable speed signs will be placed on Katherine Terrace to ensure the safety of our residents who will be crossing the main road during the event. We ask all to take extreme care when crossing roads.

Katherine has seen several public events involving Katherine Terrace cancelled in the past year including the 2018 White Ribbon march and the Christmas parade, even though it generally uses Railway Terrace.

Katherine historian Mike Reed said the people of Katherine were outraged.

"This is the most important public event of the year, you can't call it off, it's just unthinkable."

Mr Reed said he was speaking on behalf of many very angry Katherine people.

"This is a military town, we have a strong military history here, a big RAAF base on our doorstep, Anzac Day is a bigger event here than other places."

Residents of Katherine are dismayed at the decision by Katherine Town Council to cancel the 10am service without a whisper of community consultation, he said.

Katherine Mayor Fay Miller is reported as saying the parade had become "extraordinarily" expensive leaving 'no choice' but to reduce Anzac day services.

"Katherine holds a unique position in Australia's military history as the furthest inland Australian town to be bombed by the Japanese during WWII," Mr Reed said.

"As a small town of some 250 people Katherine changed virtually overnight to a military garrison supporting Australian and United States Army units and RAAF and United States Army Air Force heavy bomber squadrons at Manbulloo airfield.

"To relegate the commemoration of those service men and women, veterans from all campaigns and the man killed and two injured during the air raid on Katherine is a national disgrace.

"No comfort is forthcoming from the Mayor's media comments the final decisions will be made in the next couple of weeks and we'll certainly let the community know.

"The community wants consultation, not ultimatums," Mr Reed said.

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