Communities pause to remember

NORTHERN Rivers communities marked Remembrance Day with a minute’s silence on Sunday, honouring the sacrifices of Australians who have served in conflicts past and present.

Far North Coast Legacy president Narelle Scott delivered the commemorative address at the Ballina RSL sub-branch service at Memorial Park.

She reflected on her deployment to Afghanistan and her ongoing work supporting veterans and families.

Ms Scott spent 26 years between 1989 and 2015 with the Department of Defence.

Veterans and community volunteers were part of the service at Ballina. Photo: EVANNA KELLY

She was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with Ballina RSL sub-branch president Jamie Tanner.

“I worked in finance and payroll, we spent 10 months in Afghanistan, which was one of the longest deployments,” she said.

“We always go where the troops go. It didn’t keep us out of danger, people had been killed there in the area we were in.

“Unfortunately, a lot of veterans from around our deployment don’t get involved in a lot of this stuff and it takes them a long time to come to terms with some of the things that happened.”

Ms Scott said being part of Legacy has helped her provide social support and connection while assisting more children.

During her address she reflected on the past and her hopes for the future as school leaders from around the region laid wreaths at the cenotaph.

“Our democracy and way of life are not guaranteed, they are a result of ordinary Australians who answered the call of duty in extraordinary times,” she said.

“The lessons of history must never be forgotten, Remembrance Day teaches us about unity and empathy.

“It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of conflict and the importance of reconciliation.”

A wreath from the main service at Lismore. Photo: SUPPLIED

Services were also held at Byron Bay, Lismore and Tweed.

The City of Lismore RSL sub-branch and auxiliary group sold poppies and badges during services at the Lismore cenotaph, North Lismore memorial and Nimbin.

“We honour their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring legacy of service that continues to shape Australia,” Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said.

Byron Bay Services Club held a free lunch for veterans after its service at the sports and recreation memorial.

The Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL sub-branch reported a strong turnout at the Twin Towns RSL Memorial Park service.