AFTER several years of COVID interrupted and impacted Anzac Day ceremonies, people have returned to the dawn service in huge numbers in 2022, to celebrate the Anzac spirit and remember those whose lives have been lost in service to their country.
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Hundreds of people came to pay their respects at the Anzac Park Memorial Gates at 5:30 on a brisk Monday morning, with Tamworth RSL sub-branch president Jayne McCarthy leading the tributes.
She said it meant a lot to her and everyone involved in the defence sector to see so many people at the ceremony, 107 years on from the battle of Gallipoli.
"It's really nice to have a really unfiltered and secured ceremony, that kind of day where people can come and mingle and be part of without any sort of extra layer of stress," he said.
"It's really heartwarming to see so many people here, we're very grateful and it shows the importance of the day."
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Tamworth Regional Council mayor Russell Webb also said it was a great sign to see people feeling comfortable getting out and about to major community ceremonies, such as Anzac Day.
"This has been great, it's the first time we've properly come together now for a couple of years, it's wonderful to have such a great crowd here and it really is great to see people here paying their respects," he said.
This year marks the first time since 2001 that Anzac Day has been commemorated in Australia without the Defence Force being involved in any active operations.
The last Australian troops were pulled out of Afghanistan last year, having been there since 2001.
Ms McCarthy said it was important people still recognise how important the sector is, even without personnel being involved in current conflicts.
"It's what I tried to allude to, that it's not just about war, it's about the fact they're there ready to go if they need to and they do what's asked of them," she said.
Bendemeer
About 100 people attended the Dawn Service at the Memorial Gates in Bendemeer early on Monday morning.
The Bendemeer Returned Services Association chairperson, Gary Johnson, gave the address.
The bugler, Bendemeer local Kerri Axon, played the Last Post and the Reveille.
Councillor Judy Coates laid a wreath on behalf of Tamworth Regional Council.
The flag was raised by Trevor Hazlewood.
The service was followed by a hearty breakfast at the Bendemeer hall, which was cooked by members of the local church.
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Cody Tsaousis
I'm a news reporter who enjoys covering politics and energy, but I will write about anything for my community. I moved to the New England in 2021 after spending several years in the Upper Hunter.
I'm a news reporter who enjoys covering politics and energy, but I will write about anything for my community. I moved to the New England in 2021 after spending several years in the Upper Hunter.
