Welcome return of Anzac Day | PHOTOS

The return of traditional Anzac Day commemorations was warmly welcomed by large community gatherings at ceremonies across Narrabri Shire on Sunday.

In Narrabri, people began arriving at the RSL war memorial an hour before the 11am service.

In Narrabri, the national day of remembrance began with dawn service vices at Narrabri West at 5am and at Narrabri memorial at 6am.

Organisers, Narrabri RSL sub branch and many volunteer participants were delighted with the large crowds.

“The community response to Anzac Day was fantastic” said RSL sub branch president Gary Mason OAM.

Mr Mason led the ceremony which was MCd by RSL CEO Paul Gordon.

Speakers included the mayor Ron Campbell, Rod Ritchie who delivered the Oration, Trish Hadley and Narrabri High School captains Maddison Russell and Riley Emmerson.

The Anzac Day lunch was again a further highlight with many congratulations and thanks offered to sub branch members and other volunteer organisers for working to make the day a success.

The traditional two up afternoon at the RSL Club drew a capacity crowd.

All two up game funds raised go to Legacy.

The 11am commemoration at Narrabri saw the street and memorial area filled.

Large Anzac Day gatherings at Wee Waa, Baan Baa, Boggabri and Pilliga were a testament to the shire community’s determination to ensure the Anzac event was respectfully and fully observed after the COVID-19 shutdown of public gatherings last year.

Although the number of march participants was reduced, the general community was out in force.

The day began with chilly dawn services but blue skies and warm temperatures as the day progressed was a fitting context for the welcome return to ‘normal’ after the pandemic hiatus.

The Narrabri Shire community observance of Anzac Day by families, school students, sporting groups, and others joining returned service people was mirrored across Australia.