Tamworth Anzac day: Sound technician volunteer Mick Evans hailed a 'hidden gem' after retiring after 33 years

But on Sunday the technician responsible for wiring the sound for Anzac day woke up to his last 3am alarm.

He missed just one service since 1988, in 2020.

"I just think I need a break, I should have retired years ago. In fairness you've got to call it quits sometime," he said.

Mr Evans' job is one of dozens of volunteers performing jobs behind the scenes that rarely get the recognition they deserve.

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He calls himself "just a dogsbody".

"It's not hard work It's like everything else, you feel nervous before the start, worrying about what could go wrong," he said.

"You generally get through it."

Tamworth RSL sub-branch president Jayne McCarthy said he's one of the "hidden gems" that make Anzac day happen.

"He's supported every president," she said.

"He's so reliable, he's so mild mannered, he's so dependable. He's so humble, so modest, just a lovely, lovely man.

"He would run from Anzac gates to Railway park to set up so we could do the service before the march and then run [to the town hall] to do this service as well. Volunteering, using all his own equipment."

Another striking thing about Mick's work at the dawn service: he doesn't dress for the occasion.

In the frozen 3.3 degrees of pre-dawn North Tamworth he was wearing just a long-sleeved business shirt, while others were rugged up in beanies, gloves and heavy jackets.

Proud son Stephen Evans said it's just the way he does things.

"He never wears a jumper, he always just deals with it, never ever," he said.

"He just does his thing quietly, and goes about his business."

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Mick told the Leader he'd do services for the sub-branch to the end of year before handing the job over to a new generation, though it's not yet clear who will take up the microphone.

He'll miss the "great honour" - but plans to still attend services.

But for the first time since 1988 he'll be entitled to turn up at 5.15am like everyone else.

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