Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre held an service on the eve of Anzac Day service to commemorate those who fought in World War II.
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Gamilaroi man James Hogbin delivered the Welcome to Country and then joined Jayden Winsor in a traditional dance to the tones of a didgeridoo played by Braithen Winsor.
Locals of all ages contributed to the service, with Mary Ranken Child Care Centre and Winanga-li children marching in the grounds, followed by the laying of wreaths.
Eloise Launders and Eli Russell laid a wreath for Mary Ranken, and Indie Cochrane and Arlie Campbell laid a wreath for Winanga-li.
Winanga-li's Leanne Pryor invited Army Reserves officer Bec Paul from Tamworth to "create a relationship with the army and the younger children". Ms Paul spoke about her role in the Australian Army and raised the Australian flag. Winanga-li's Sarah Sing and Mikaela Aldridge raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Centre manager Wayne Griffiths said Anzac Day was a way for Gamilaroi people to acknowledge the service of their family members who fought in conflicts overseas .
"When the Griffiths went overseas, they fell where they fought," he said.
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Mr Griffiths said the sacrifices made in the past enabled Australians to live in freedom today - something we "take for granted".
"Because of those people, we are able to drive cars and have two-pair of shoes," he said.
"There's no way we'd have this today without people giving up their lives.
"We shouldn't just celebrate on Anzac Day - we should celebrate it every day of the week."
Mr Griffiths encouraged those present to attend Gunnedah's dawn and mid-morning services.
"It's such a marvellous event down there and the parade down the main street is something I always look forward to," he said.
The services will be held at the Gunnedah cenotaph at 5.30am and 11am. The march starts at 10.30am.
