Northern Rivers pauses for Anzac Day

NORTHERN Rivers communities gathered in strong numbers for Anzac Day services, with wet weather failing to keep people away from ceremonies across the region.

The Last Post sounded across the Northern Rivers, marking a shared moment of reflection before the minute’s silence.

Communities from Tweed Heads to Ballina and Lismore hosted dawn services, marches and commemorations, marking 110 years since the Gallipoli landings and 80 years since the end of the second world war.

In Murwillumbah, strong turnouts were recorded at both the dawn and mid-morning services, although wet weather forced the cancellation of the traditional march.

 

The dawn service, held at the Remembrance Place Cenotaph, drew a large crowd in the early hours, with streets lined with cars as people gathered in the dark between heavy rain showers.

Across the region, large crowds gathered at cenotaphs and memorial parks, including in Tweed Heads, Ballina and Lismore, where marches and community services were held throughout the day.

In Lismore, the program included a dawn service march through the CBD and a Royal Australian Air Force flyover later in the morning, while in Ballina, crowds gathered at RSL Memorial Park for the dawn service and march along River Street.

In Bangalow, children from local schools marched behind veterans in a parade led by a military jeep, as the sun broke through in time for the procession.

 

The march began outside the pub and moved down the main street before the service outside Bangalow RSL.

Vietnam War veteran Brian Budden, 81, who served in the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment in 1966 and 1967, said it was wonderful to see such a large crowd.

“Interest in Anzac Day among young people seems to be taking front and centre,” he said.

“Children come from schools all around the area.”

Also among those marching was Indigenous artist Donella Waters, who carried a frame with black-and-white photographs of her ancestors who fought in the First World War.

 

The service’s host, Rebecca Wadsworth, spoke about how memories are preserved in medals kept in drawers and photographs displayed on walls, which are passed down through generations.

“Here in Bangalow, like so many communities across the country, the impact of service has been deeply felt,” she said.

“Remembrance is not only about looking back, but ensuring that those who served will never be forgotten.”

Joanne Livingstone read the First World War poem, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae.

Chief Clark Sargent Chelsea Purtle delivered the commemorative address, saying Anzac Day was not about glorifying war but about remembering, acknowledging sacrifice and reflecting on the cost of the freedoms enjoyed today.

 

Representatives from local organisations, including Bangalow Lions Club, Australian Red Cross and Bangalow Public School, laid wreaths before acclaimed jazz musician John Hoffman played the Last Post.

Bangalow RSL president Darryl Larkin, who served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970, said since last Anzac Day the world has become far more difficult and fraught with danger for many countries and their peoples.

“We are not immune to these situations,” he said. “Be grateful that you can sleep at night and hope that the future for our children is one of peace.”

Back in Murwillumbah, the service was led by veteran Derek Sims, who served 12 months in Vietnam as well as a brief stint in Korea.

 

In his address, Derek Sims spoke about remembrance, sacrifice and collective responsibility.

“This is fitting that we should keep this dawn visual together in remembrance and in gratitude,” he said.

“We can feel them still near us in spirit and we wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice.”

“Let us therefore once again dedicate ourselves to the service of the ideals for which they died.”

 

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin was among those to lay a wreath.

“It’s important for the community to honour the sacrifice albeit a long time ago, but we have other servicemen and women who continue to protect us and keep us safe and pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

The planned morning march was cancelled due to wet weather, with the mid-morning service instead held at the Murwillumbah Civic and Cultural Centre.

The indoor venue was filled with ex-servicemen and women, families, local school students and members of the wider community.