Thousands of residents and visitors flocked to ANZAC Day services all over the Central Coast on April 25 as the region paid tribute to the fallen and all those who have served in our armed forces.
Dawn and mid-morning services were held at multiple locations with veterans, serving defence personnel, support organisations, emergency services and many schools taking part.
In Gosford, hundreds of people lined Mann St as the main march made its way from Kibble Park to the Gosford cenotaph at 10.30am for an 11am service.
After an acknowledgement of country and introduction by Gosford RSL Sub-Branch President Greg Mawson, The Sing Australia Gosford Choir led attendees in singing Abide With Me.
The main address was given by Henry Kendall School Captain Vesna Bakaricj-Davies who said ANZAC Day was about courage, mateship, perseverance and sacrifice.
In a stirring speech she paid tribute to her own great-great-grandfather, who served in World War One, and to her great-grandfather and his brothers, who served in World War Two, along with the thousands of other Australian men and women who have served in the two world wars and conflicts since.
“We honour and acknowledge those who were prepared to make, or did make, the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf,” she said.
At Gosford, as at services all over the region, wreaths were laid by representatives of service organisations, local MPs, Central Coast Council, police, emergency services and other community groups.
Mawson, who is also President of the Central Coast District Council of RSLs, said attendances were much bigger than in previous years at most events region-wide.
“I think it was the biggest crowd we have ever had in Gosford,” he said.
“What was pleasing was that there was a huge turnout of younger veterans at this year’s services.
“That bodes well for the future of ANZAC Day.”
Mawson said Coast Opera Australia’s Salute to the ANZACs at Industree Group Stadium was a fitting end to the day of remembrance.
“The crowd was on the smallish side but the performances were mind-blowing and the atmosphere was brilliant,” he said.
Attending the dawn service at Terrigal, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was “absolutely amazing” to see thousands of locals turn out for services on “what is probably our nation’s most sacred day”.
“I am biased, but I think the Terrigal dawn service is probably the best on the Central Coast, if not the state,” he said.
“There were emotional moments for so many Vietnem vets who were here today.
“We have turned out en masse to remind our vets that we always care and are always thinking about them.”
On his first ANZAC Day as Minister for Veterans in the newly appointed Labor State government, Member for Wyong David Harris said the Central Coast was proud to have the highest proportion of veterans per local government area in NSW, with its 7,615 veterans forming 2.76 per cent of the region’s population.
He said ANZAC Day was a time to come together and pay tribute to the ANZACs and all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have since followed in their footsteps.
“I am honoured to be the Minister for both Veterans and the Central Coast today,” he said.
“The Central Coast once again excels at providing a nurturing and safe home for those who answered their nation’s highest call.”
Member for The Entrance David Mehan attended events at both The Entrance and Ourimbah, praising organisers for “wonderful services”.
Major services at The Entrance, Terrigal, Ourimbah, Toukley, Woy Woy and Wyong, as well as many other locations, saw record numbers of people pay tribute to the nation’s heroes.
There were also several pre-ANZAC Day services, including at Wallarah Bay Recreation on April 16, where representatives from RSLs, Vietnam Veterans groups, Toukley RSL Pipes and Drums, Army Cadets and the Air League Squadron came together for an event which included performances by students from Warnervale Public School and the Community Choir.
Lest We Forget.
Terry Collins