Honouring the fallen across the Northern Rivers

CROWDS braved wet weather to attend Anzac Day services across the region, with strong support from schools and community groups.

Pipe bands played at services in Ballina and Lismore, with backing from rotary clubs, SES volunteers and Marine Rescue NSW.

Representatives from auxiliary groups and other local organisations also took part in the marches.

Ballina RSL sub-Branch vice-president Dick Wills said the lead-up to this year’s commemorations had been busy, with community involvement continuing to grow.

“There was a while there where I thought the interest was starting to wane,” he said.

“I’ve been with the sub-Branch since 1981 and the support we’ve had in recent years makes me feel very proud.”

Members of the SES service took part in the Lismore march. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Page MP Kevin Hogan with a group of veterans. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Veterans, family members and army cadets taking part in the Lismore march. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Veterans at the Ballina wreath laying ceremony. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Primary and high schools were part of the march along River Street. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Veterans in the march at Ballina. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Ballina RSL sub-Branch member Billy Thompson in the march. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

The support vehicle helping veterans and their families ride together in the Ballina march. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Ballina MP Tamara Smith at the wreath laying ceremony. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Veterans and army cadets at the Ballina memorial. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

A large number of veterans were part of the Ballina march. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

The Ballina Pipe Band leading the march along River Street. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

Tara Leonard with her daughter Peggy at the Ballina march. Photo: LYN MCCARTHY

A big crowd turned out for the dawn service at Lismore. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Dylan Butcher at the Lismore wreath laying ceremony. Photo: SUPPLIED.

The pipe band leading the way at the Lismore march. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Army cadets and veterans at the Lismore march. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Members of the lions club at the Lismore march. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Page MP Kevin Hogan said the dawn service in Lismore remained a highlight.

“Dawn service at Lismore is always a moving event,” he said.

“It is the most important day of commemoration on our calendar.”

Alstonville hosted its own dawn service and march, while Lennox Head introduced a new morning service at Ross Park alongside its popular dawn event. Organisers said the strong turnout meant the morning service would return next year.

In the Lismore hinterland, services were also held at Clunes and Nimbin.

The official programs finished with wreath-laying ceremonies and guest speakers at cenotaphs and memorial sites.