From the early hours of this morning people gathered to acknowledge the sacrifice of lives, families and communities have made in the name of war and keeping peace. Across the Northern Rivers people gathered to remember, to reflect and acknowledge the cost of war.
In WW1 thousands of young men from across Australia, many who had never even been to Europe, left their normal lives for war, a sacrifice that was echoed through WW2, Korea, Vietnam.
NSW recorded the highest enlistment rate in the country during WW1 with 164,030 people (many from regional communities) signing on to join the war, with an estimated 21,000 never to return home.
When WW2 broke out the people of NSW once again answered the call, many the sons, brothers or relatives of those who served in WW1, 276,741 of them answered the call with the still fresh memory of the horrors of war.
In Mullumbimby The ANZAC day dawn service commenced at 4.30am opposite the RSL marking the time when the first boats landed in Gallipoli at dawn. In Brunswick Heads old and new members alike gathered to honour the fallen heroes as dawn broke over Brunswick Heads on ANZAC Day.
‘This year marked a poignant moment for the Brunswick Heads sub branch as it neared its end, but the spirit of camaraderie and remembrance burned brighter than ever,’ Michaela Stirton told The Echo.
‘Thanks to the tireless efforts of new and enthusiastic individuals, the day unfolded seamlessly, a testament to the resilience and dedication of the community. From the solemn dawn service to the spirited marches through the streets, every moment was infused with a deep sense of respect and appreciation for those who had sacrificed so much for their country.
‘As the last notes of the bugle faded into the morning air, there was a palpable feeling of pride and unity among the residents of Brunswick Heads. It’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who remember and honour the ANZAC spirit.’
Later services
In Mullumbimby at 10.45am the march will start from out front of the Byron Council Chambers and will end at the RSL to have an 11 am service. Year 12 student, John Ray will be guest speaking, there will also be other students putting on a dance performance.
Ballina’s ANZAC Day Commemorative Service will take palace at 10.55am at the Ballina RSL Memorial Park, 1 Grant Street Ballina.
Bangalow’s march begins at 10.30am at the Bangalow Hotel to the Cenotaph for a short outdoor service at the RSL memorial.
The Byron Bay March will start at 10.30am at Apex Park and march to the Memorial Gates where the service will commence at 10.50am to 11.40am.
Woodenbong will begin with a 10.30am march opposite Foodworks. From 11am there will be a formal Anzac Memorial Service at Woodenbong Public Hall, MC David Hannant, guest speakers Donna and Greg Gulliver. At 11.45am they will march to the Lest We Forget Sign for a wreath laying ceremony. At 12.30pm there will be a Diggers luncheon at RSL Hall ($25 a person, numbers limited phone Roslyn 6635 1393 or Mekella 0407 493 901 to book). From 4-8pm the Woodenbong War Memorial Trust and Woodenbong RSL sub-Branch will conduct two-up at the Woodenbong Hotel – there will be a minute’s silence at 6pm.
At Tabulam you are asked to assemble at 10.30am in Clarence Street for the march to the new Light Horse Memorial for an 11am service and wreath laying at the Memorial. At 12pm there are Refreshments at Tabulam Hotel.
In Mallanganee there is an 11am service and wreath laying at Memorial Park.
