Despite heavy rain Central Coast residents flocked to Anzac Day marches and services on April 25.
Services in Gosford, at dawn and again at 11am, attracted thousands of people to Kibble Park, after being diverted from the cenotaph due to poor ground conditions.
Gosford RSL Sub-Branch President, Greg Mawson, said throngs of people lined Mann St to watch the march, which began at 10.30am outside Gosford police station.
“It was the best turnout we’ve seen in years,” Mawson said.
“We were blown away by the crowd at the dawn service. I’d say there were 2,000 lining the streets around the park. And then thousands more were at the 11am service.
“People stayed despite the rain and it was wonderful to see large numbers of younger veterans turn up on the day.”
Mawson said many people had suggested services be held in Kibble Park every year, with ease of access and plenty of vantage points making it more suitable for large crowds than the cenotaph site at the south end of Mann St.
“Something has to happen at the cenotaph to make it fit for proper use,” he said. “Major works need to be done there – it is outdated and unsafe.”
Terrigal Wamberal RSL Sub-Branch Secretary, Michael Tabone, estimated a crowd of 5-6,000 attended the dawn service at Terrigal.
“It was a huge crowd despite the rain but by the time the sun rose it had stopped raining,” Tabone said.
A fleet of surf boats hit the beach at dawn, although a planned flying demonstration by a military helicopter had to be cancelled due to the inclement conditions.
“We had a lot of people laying wreaths on the day and a big gathering of schoolchildren,” Tabone said.
“The mass choir of primary school children was beautiful to hear. The Promenade was full of people and the mass spread all the way up the boardwalk.”
Services at Ettalong and Woy Woy also attracted huge numbers, with more smaller gatherings around the region.
At Copacabana, around 300 people gathered to pay tribute to the Anzacs.
The dawn service was organised by the Naval Veterans’ Association with the help of local residents.
After the service a Gunfire Breakfast was supplied by Kaz Condon and her staff from Copa Beachside Café.
Terry Collins
Great to see, pity Toukley Sub-branch did not receive recognition when there was possibly a larger crowd than the other Sub-branches at both the Dawn and Morning Services. Fantastic services thanks to the Committee, Airforce representation from Williamstown, police road closures and involvement, also the community and schools. Lest we Forget.