Tamworth Anzac Day 2021: Dawn services held under strict coronavirus restrictions in Tamworth, Moree, Guyra, Inverell, Quirindi and Gunnedah

With strict COVID-19 restrictions still in force for the outdoor event, punters turned up extraordinarily early despite the biting 3.3 degree temperatures in Tamworth.

Sound technician Mick Evans is always the first to arrive to Tamworth's dawn services, turning up at about 3am to set up sound gear.

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But the first civilians weren't far behind.

"They were worried because they had limited numbers that unless they got here early they wouldn't get in," he said.

Services will continue for the rest of Anzac day.

Volunteers from Calrossy and McCarthy high schools staffed gates as a crowd of about 1000 gradually assembled before a 5.20am start.

Attendance was capped at just 1000, well short of an ordinary year.

In her welcome to the event RSL sub-branch president Jayne McCarthy reflected on last year's unique socially-distanced Anzac services.

"I've been thinking about the importance of trust and ritual. And where would we be without ceremony?

"This was highlighted last year when we almost paralysed by the COVID pandemic. The anguish that we felt for not having Anzac day service, it was pulpable.

"And didn't the mere idea of not Anzac day throw us into chaos, but didn't it make us realise how important our Anzac day is?"

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The "great Aussie spirit" prevailed and created the "uniquely beautiful" light up the dawn services to replace the traditional commemoration, she said.

Sandra Lambkin read the poem 'killed in action', written by veteran of both world wars Harry McCann.

The poem was written while Mr McCann was in Egypt, recalling his service leading a burial party at Gallipoli.

Tamworth reverend and sub-branch Chaplain Chris Wright led prayers.

The 23/16^th Hunter River Lancers formed Tamworth's catafalque party.

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