Generations unite across the Byron Shire for Anzac Day services

YOUNG and old braved the rain to gather across the Byron Shire on Anzac Day, honouring the courage and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand service personnel who have served — and fallen — in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.

Bush poet Ray Essery 82, wearing his and his dad’s medals on Anzac Day at Brunswick Heads. Photo: DAVID COPE

Hundreds attended the moving dawn service at the Brunswick Heads cenotaph, where solemn tributes, heartfelt prayers and stirring renditions of the Last Post were delivered beneath a large screen displaying haunting black-and-white images from Gallipoli.

A two-minute silence allowed the crowd to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Anzac spirit.

Lara Restall, 8, placing a cross at Brunswick Heads after the Anzac Day dawn service: Photo DAVID COPE

Members of local organisations, including the NSW Fire Brigade, Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club, Red Cross, Mullumbimby Rotary, the Brunswick-Mullumbimby Lions Club, and students from several local schools laid wreaths in solemn tribute.

Wreaths laid at the Anzac Day dawn service at Brunswick Heads. Photo: DAVID COPE

A combined school choir featuring students from Brunswick Heads Public School, Ocean Shores Public School and The Pocket Public School sang Spirit of the Anzacs by Lee Kernaghan, while Mullumbimby High School captains Monet Shortland and Solomon Wolff recited a touching poem written by the late Lesley Smith, who served in New Guinea.

Young and old braved the rain to gather across Byron Shire. Photo: DAVID COPE

Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL Sub-branch president Des Wraight paid tribute to the often-overlooked service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel in World War II. He also marked two significant anniversaries: the 25th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in the Korean War and 75 years since the beginning of the Malayan Emergency.

The Anzac Day dawn service at Brunswick Heads. Photo: DAVID COPE

Among the youngest participants were eight-year-old Charlie Blencowe and his six-year-old brother Billy, proudly wearing their grandfather’s and great-grandfather’s medals during the pre- and post-service march.

“I think of someone being brave when I wear the medals,” Charlie said. “My pa and poppy Clyde were brave going somewhere they didn’t want to go.”

Crosses placed in Brunswick Heads during the Anzac Day dawn service. Photo: DAVID COPE

Brunswick Heads resident Ray Essery, 82, wore medals from his own naval service as well as his father’s from New Guinea. A well-known local bush poet, Essery often recites classics such as The Ballad of Billy Sing, about a Gallipoli hero.

Anzac Day services were also held in Byron Bay, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Clunes.