Gunnedah and Curlewis Anzac days went off without a hitch according to local organisers.
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New Gunnedah RSL sub-branch president Peter Kannengiesser said a crowd of about 600 people attended Gunnedah’s dawn service.
“Looking around at the time, I was amazed at the people who go up that early,” Mr Kannengiesser said.
He estimated a further 2-2500 participants joined Anzac Day services later that morning in Gunnedah.
The new sub-branch helmsman described the attendance of local community as “outstanding” and something Gunnedah should be proud of.
“It is outstanding to see the participation by the marches and the general public on the sidewalk,” he said. “There was so many from the schools representing in the march…. the main thing it was incident free.”
At Curlewis’ Anzac Day, master of ceremonies Colleen Fuller said there appeared to be an increase in community participation on last year but a dip in the number of veterans.
“Their numbers are dwindling,” Mrs Fuller said.
She highlighted the recent passing of Vietnam veteran, Barry O’Brien, as among the notable absences.
“He was one I knew personally,” she said.
But also on the up this year at Curlewis were wreaths laid by community groups and individuals which Mrs Fuller attributed to greater Anzac Day awareness among the younger generation.
“I think it’s the education on the youth which has been positive,” she said.
Mrs Fuller mentioned the attendance of Curlewis pre-school-aged as a particular highlight. Afterwards, the local councillor attended Gunnedah’s main service where she laid a wreath on behalf of Lions Club.
