DESPITE threatening skies and cool morning air, the spirit of remembrance was stronger than ever across the Nambucca Valley on Anzac Day 2025, with impressive turnouts at services in Nambucca Heads, Bowraville, Taylors Arm and Macksville.
At Nambucca Heads, locals braved the early morning drizzle, with around 250 people gathering for the dawn service, and more than 400 attending the main service later in the morning.
A heartfelt free breakfast at the adjoining RSL Club followed the early ceremony, with the Nambucca Heads sub-Branch expressing deep appreciation to the management, board, and hard-working staff of the club for their unwavering support.
Over in Bowraville, the weather initially threatened to disrupt the commemorations, but fortune favoured the determined.
Around 400 people attended the moving dawn service, which began with a silent march and was punctuated by the firing of three blank volleys by the Firing Party.
Special addresses by David Bein of Novocycle and Cowper MP Pat Conaghan added emotional depth to the ceremony.
PTE Alina Tape, a local Regular Army servicewoman, proudly read the Ode.
Following tradition, rum and milk were shared at the Bottom Pub before a breakfast at the Bowraville Ex-Services Club.
A newly reinstated graveside service at Bowraville cemetery paid tribute to those who returned home after serving overseas.
The main service, attended by another crowd of around 400, featured a spectacular low-level flyover by a Hawk Lead-in Fighter from 76 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, thrilling the crowd along High Street.
Students from Bowraville Central School and St Mary’s Primary School played vital roles throughout the ceremony, ensuring the next generation continues to honour the Anzac spirit.
The Roll of Honour was solemnly read by Tyler Bellamy, paying tribute to his great-uncles, Perry and Guy Manusu, who lost their lives during the New Guinea campaign of World War Two.
A moving speech by Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee called for the full implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicides, reminding all of the continuing duty to care for those who serve.
In Macksville, ANZAC commemorations were also marked with strong community spirit.
The Kapyong Service on the evening of 24 April drew a great crowd, setting the tone for the dawn service, march, and main service the following day.
Each service attracted between 400 and 500 people.
A highlight was School Captain Hamish Scott of Macksville High School reading poignant letters from the front, drawn from Nambucca Anzacs by local author Trevor Lynch, bringing to life the personal stories of bravery and sacrifice.
At Taylors Arm about 60 people turned out for the dawn service and well over 100 for the main service.
The Anzac Day address was delivered by William Ward, who was central to the organising of a thrilling RAAF flyover.
By Mick BIRTLES
