Clarence Valley residents commemorate Anzac Day in 2024
Emma Pritchard
From Iluka, Yamba, Chatsworth Island, and Lawrence, to Maclean, Grafton, and Glenreagh, Clarence Valley residents came together in near record crowds to commemorate Anzac Day on April 25, and pay their respects on the 109th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I (WWI), while also remembering the hundreds of thousands of Australians who served, continue to serve, and made the ultimate sacrifice in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations throughout the years.
2024 also saw a significant increase in the number of families and young children who attended Dawn and Commemoration services across the region.
Australian flags flew proudly as prayers were recited and wreaths were laid beneath cenotaphs and war memorials, and The Last Post and Reveille played prominently as large crowds respectfully bowed their heads and repeated in unison, “Lest we forget.”
Copmanhurst remembers the fallen
Emma Pritchard
The 2024 Copmanhurst and District Anzac Day Service recorded a high attendance this year as close to 100 Upper Clarence residents came together on April 25 to pay tribute to the fallen.
After David Winters delivered the Anzac Day Address and Larissa Cummins stepped forward to recite the Prayer for Peace, Copmanhurst Public School Captains Miley Abrahams and Tyler Egan read the poem On This Hallowed Day before community members and ex-service organisation representatives were cordially invited to lay wreaths at the base of the cenotaph next to the Copmanhurst War Memorial Hall.
Stepping up to the microphone, Olivia Fahey and Flynn Anderson read the Ode of Remembrance prior to the crowd turning to face the west while The Last Post sounded. Together, families and friends bowed their heads and observed one minute’s silence before turning and facing the east as Reveille was played.
The 2024 Copmanhurst and District Anzac Day Service concluded with the Australian National Anthem, followed by Amazing Grace.
Dawn Service highlights importance of Anzac Day
Emma Pritchard
As the sun began to rise, hundreds of onlookers including many young families gathered around the cenotaph in Grafton’s Memorial Park at 6am on April 25 to pay their respects during the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Denis Benfield, Honourable Secretary of the Grafton RSL Sub-branch, was pleased to see so many children in attendance, and said Anzac Day is an important occasion for generations of Australians to come together.
After the crowd was formally welcomed, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Peter Johnstone spoke of the history of the Dawn Service before the Very Reverand Naomi Cooke, Dean of Grafton, was invited to recite the Commemoration of The Fallen, and Leftenant Ryan Cavanagh, a Serving Officer with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) who grew up in the region, delivered the Dawn Service Address.
“Before dawn on April 25, 1915, the first soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp landed on the shores of Gallipoli Peninsula,” he read.
“For the next eight months, their campaign was a stalemate.
“In December 1915, the Anzacs were evacuated.
“By then, around 8700 Australians, and almost 2700 New Zealanders, had been killed.
“Anzac Day has been one of the most important dates on the Australian calendar since 1916.
“At first, it gave people a chance to honour the original Anzacs, then it because a day to honour those who served in the First World War.
“Anzac Day has now become a day to honour all who have served our nation.”
The Very Reverand Naomi Cooke, Dean of Grafton, was invited to recite the Prayer for Thanksgiving and the Prayer for Peace before the crowd turned to face the west as the piper played Lament, the Ode was read, The Last Post was played by the bugler, and a minute’s silence was respectfully observed.
Onlookers were then invited to turn and face the cenotaph as Rouse was performed before the Australian and British national anthems were played, and the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service concluded.
Lest we forget.
Thousands attend Commemoration Service in Grafton
Emma Pritchard
It was a time of remembrance and reflection as one of the largest crowds in recent years attended the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service in Memorial Park, Grafton, at 10am on April 25.
Following the traditional Anzac Day March along Prince Street, which was watched by hundreds of onlookers, special guests, dignitaries, and students from several local schools took their places around the cenotaph as the service, conducted by the Grafton RSL Sub-branch, commenced.
“Today, along with Australians everywhere, we gather to remember those who have served to defend Australia,” said Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Peter Johnstone as he recited the Prologue before the Very Reverand Naomi Cooke, Dean of Grafton, read the Anzac Prayer.
During the Commemoration Address, Indiara Martin from Westlawn Public School, Dominik Lasker from Grafton Public School, Breeanna Hunter from Grafton High School, and Amelia Cox from McCauley Catholic College spoke of the Bombing of Darwin in 1942, the Malayan Emergency, and the Kokoda Track respectively, while also sharing a tribute to the brave medical and service personnel, and the courage and resilience they demonstrated in support of those who fought for their country in times of conflict.
As more than 20 wreaths were laid at the base of the Grafton Cenotaph in honour of the fallen, many attendees wiped tears from their eyes and held the hands of their partners, children, and loved ones a little tighter before bowing their heads for the Prayer for the King, Prayer of Remembrance, Prayer for Peace, and the Prayer for Service Personnel and Ex-Service Personnel.
MC for the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service, the Honourable Secretary of the Grafton RSL Sub-branch Denis Benfield, read the Ode and dutifully invited the crowd to face the west and observe one minutes silence as the bugler played The Last Post before again inviting attendees to face the east as Reveille sounded across Memorial Park.
At the conclusion of the service, the Clarence Valley Independent caught up with World War II (WWII) veteran and Grafton resident George Smith, who agreed it was pleasing to see such a large crowd attend the event.
When WWII broke out, an 18-year-old Mr Smith joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and served as a Fitter 2E working on Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawks.
Posted to North Borneo, he spent two years in the tropics as the Australian forces fought against the Japanese troops before returning home.
As he watched the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service alongside his daughter Dianne Dawson and granddaughter Jessica Boyd, Mr Smith said he felt very proud to be in attendance.
Lest we forget.
Crowds come together on Anzac Day in Harwood
In Harwood, more than 150 attendees enjoyed the traditional Gunfire Breakfast at the historic Harwood Island Community Hall following the Dawn Service at the War Memorial on the banks of the Clarence River to commemorate Anzac Day on April 25.
The service, conducted by the Reverand Hope Bennet, was enriched by her words as was the Commemorative Address, which was delivered by Roger Boyce.Rob and Amy Imeson filled the morning air with music while Paul Commerford recited a moving poem and Matt Macleod piped the Lament.
The breakfast was generously supported by in-kind donations from Jill at Botero, Luke at Spar, and the Harwood Hotel.
To those donors and all who contributed and attended the ceremony, the organisers extend their warmest thanks.
I would also like to note the increasing participation of young and old in acknowledgement of Anzac Day.
Editorial kindly contributed by David Briscoe on behalf of the organisers.
South Grafton Cenotaph: A centenary celebration
Emma Pritchard
Erected a century ago to commemorate those who proudly served their country and tragically lost their lives during World War I (WWI), close to 200 people came together in Rotary Park Boulevard off Through Street on April 25 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of the South Grafton Cenotaph.
Engraved with the names of men from South Grafton (25), Sherwood Creek (two), Chambigne (two), Blaxland’s Creek (one), OBX Creek (two), Clarenza (one), and Coutts Crossing (13), the granite obelisk originally stood in Skinner Street before being relocated to its present location over 50 years ago.
Recognised throughout the community as a historical landmark, the centenary of the South Grafton Cenotaph was celebrated last week during the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service.
Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Peter Johnstone said the monument has stood as a symbol of remembrance for the people of South Grafton and surrounding areas for all these years and acknowledged the fundraising efforts of locals in 1921 which enabled its construction in honour of the fallen at the end of WWI.
“Today, we commemorate the centenary of the cenotaph, and honour the memory of those 46 local men who gave their lives,” he said.
“At cenotaphs like this Australia-wide, communities gather to give thanks for the services of our forebears and to show our pride in the country we have accepted and take responsibility for, and for their sacrifice so we can live in peace.”
As he shared an insight into the background of the South Grafton Cenotaph with attendees, St Andrews Christian School student Lincoln Spears also reflected on how WWI touched every community in Australia.
“Almost two fifths of Australian men aged between 18 and 44 enlisted,” he said.
“Within a few short years of the wars conclusion many communities were committed to raising funds to construct memorials to honour those who died and served their country.”
After being moved from its original location to allow Skinner Street to be widened in the 1950s, the South Grafton Cenotaph was shifted closer to the riverbank before it was moved again in the early 1970s to its third and present location.
MC for the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of the South Grafton Cenotaph and 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service Barry Whalley from the South Grafton RSL Chapter was delighted by the turnout, adding he was especially pleased to see so many school students participate.
Maclean CWA Branch pay their respects
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) Maclean Branch, represented by President Helena McConnelly, were among those who laid a wreath at the Maclean Cenotaph last week during the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service on April 25.
Thousands of Australians offered respect to remember the sacrifices made during times of conflict.
Those who were able attended dawn services as well as participated in marches around the country, while those who could not walk/march watched on television.
Anzac Day brings out the spirit of togetherness among our countrymen, even for those who were not personally involved in the war.
We hope that this same spirit binds us together in these turbulent times.
Editorial kindly contributed by Belinda Harris
Those who went to war remembered at Lower Southgate
Emma Pritchard
Overlooking the surrounding farmland from a prominent position on a hill in Doust Park stands the Clarence Valley’s first permanent memorial of a public character engraved with the names of those who proudly served their country in times of war and selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice.
At 3pm on April 25, close to 50 people came together for the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Lower Southgate War Memorial to commemorate the 109th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landing and pay their respects to the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have lost their lives in subsequent conflicts.
With red poppies and traditional sprigs of rosemary pinned to their clothes, attendees bowed their heads as the Prayer of Thanksgiving, Prayer for the King, Prayer to the Nation, and the Commemoration Address were recited before wreaths were respectfully laid at the base of the cenotaph.
As the crowd quietly turned to face the west, the bugler played The Last Post before attendees turned to face the east while Reveille sounded.
Following the service, guests were invited to attend an afternoon tea and to view a historical display.
Tullymorgan community come together on Anzac Day
More than 200 people attended the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service at the historic Tullymorgan School at 5.20am on April 25.
Conducted by Ian Gardam, proceedings commenced with the march in of the light horsemen Norm Cormick and Tom Cormick, followed by the catafalque party, comprising Alec Cormick, Stan Cormick, Ray Cormick, and Glen Cormick.
The Cormick family are fifth generation residents of Tullymorgan.
The Requiem was read by Robbie Sutherland, another multi-generational local.
The Anzac prayer was read by Elora Ardrey, the current Miss Showgirl Far North Coast who also has a long family (Beel) history in the area.
Guests stayed after the service to enjoy a gunfire breakfast provided by the Tullymorgan community, and the opportunity to walk through the schoolhouse museum, which continues to benefit from the dedicated effort of Carol and Wayne Perry, the park’s caretakers.
It was wonderful having our own ‘Poppy’ (Poppy Beveridge from Newcastle) at the service, given the significance of the red poppy.
In Australia and other countries of the Commonwealth, the red poppy is the commemorative flower of remembrance.
The flower reminds us of those who lost their lives or suffered in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
It’s a tradition that began in the early 1900s, after World War I (WWI).
Editorial kindly contributed.
Thousands attend Dawn Service in Yamba
Emma Pritchard
Around 2000 people attended the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service in Yamba on April 25, standing side by side at the cenotaph as the sun began to rise.
Between 500 and 700 attendees returned later in the morning for the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service at 9:35am.
Among them was Toowoomba visitor Alison McPhillips, who told the Clarence Valley Independent she was proud to attend both services to represent her ancestors who fought for Australia in World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII).
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to pay their respects in honour of the fallen,” she said.
“It was an emotional day for me, and a lot of other people, but I thought it was outstanding to see such a great attendance at both services because Anzac Day is a time for all Australians to come together and remember those who lay down their lives for our freedom.”
Anzac Day in Iluka
Emma Pritchard
As the light spilled across the eastern horizon, residents of the coastal village of Iluka came together to pay their respects during the 2024 Anzac Day Dawn Service, gathering around the cenotaph in Charles Street at 5.30am in a united show of solidarity.
With red poppies and sprigs of rosemary pinned to their shirts, coats, and jackets, alongside service medals worn as personal tributes to loved ones, attendees bowed their heads in silence as they reflected on the 109th Anniversary of the arrival of the first soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp at Gallipoli, ahead of what was to become an eight month battle, which despite being unsuccessful, ultimately created the Anzac legend and an enduring symbol of military sacrifice.
The crowds, including pupils from Iluka Public School, returned to the cenotaph later in the morning for the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service at 10:45am, with many commenting on the increase in numbers from services throughout previous years.
Honouring an Iluka war hero
Only a handful of older residents can still recall Lionel Payne as a much-loved member of the Iluka community.
During World War I (WWI) on September 29, 1915, he enlisted and joined the 9th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement A.I.F. and embarked from Sydney on board HMAS SS Hawkes Bay on April 20, 1916.
He took part in the battles of Bullecourt and Polygon Woods, where he was wounded.
Near Le Barque, France, on February 26, 1917, L/Cpl Payne took charge of a party to take up water, which was urgently required, to the front line.
It was broad daylight, and the enemy were heavily barraging the area.
However, he successfully lead his party through and delivered the water to the new front line and was awarded the Military Medal for “Gallantry and Valuable service” on February 27, 1917.
He later served in World War II (WWII) as a Lance Corporal, and later as Sergeant in the Anti-Aircraft Unit at Mascot NSW before being discharged on December 7, 1944.
Lionel was born on Palmers Island and spent most of his life in Iluka.
He married Linda Marsh in 1942.
After the war he became a fisherman and was also an excellent carpenter who was always willing to give a helping hand to those with a problem.
He was a Trustee of the Iluka Reserve, the Iluka Soldiers Memorial Hall, and was also deeply involved in the RSL.
At the time of his death in 1974, Lionel was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Sadly, Lionel’s War medals, donated several years ago to the Grafton RSL by his late wife Linda, had been misplaced.
However, on Anzac Day this year, his nephew Stephen Payne and his wife Cathy very kindly donated a replica set of Lionel’s medals to the Iluka and District Museum where on future Anzac Days they will be proudly displayed.
Editorial kindly contributed.
Maclean unites to remember on Anzac Day
Emma Pritchard
In Maclean, more than 300 people attended the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service on April 25.
With many onlookers proudly pinning red poppies and sprigs of rosemary to their attire, the Lower Clarence Community Choir sang dutifully throughout the morning while Major Cathryn Williamson from The Grafton Salvation Army shared homemade Anzac biscuits with those in attendance.
As respective dignitaries and community members were respectfully invited to step forward to lay wreaths at the base of the Maclean Cenotaph on the corner of River Street and Wharf Street, the crowd bowed their heads in silence and remembered those to selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice.
Major Williamson said it was very pleasing to see so many attend the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service in Maclean last week.
Special Anzac Day tribute in Brooms Head
Emma Pritchard
A small crowd gathered around a special memorial at the Brooms Head Lookout on April 25.
Lovingly set up by Geoff Towner as a tribute to his father Henry Claude Towner, who served in World War II (WWII), and a friend who tragically lost their life during the Vietnam War, the memorial included Mr Towner’s WWII Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) jacket and service medals, along with a collection of ANZAC Day memorabilia.
During the Dawn Service, Brooms Head locals lit several candles and stood together in a respectful sign of remembrance in honour of the fallen on one of the nations most sacred days.
Ulmarra remembers on Anzac Day
Emma Pritchard
Close to 200 attendees gathered around the Ulmarra Cenotaph in Memorial Park for the 2024 Anzac Day Commemoration Service at 11am on April 25, to remember the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who landed at Gallipoli along the Turkish coastline during World War I (WWI), 109 years ago.
The courage and bravery demonstrated by the men amidst extreme hardships and turmoil, has become an enduring symbol of selfless sacrifice, and one which many Clarence Valley residents came together in honour of on Anzac Day last week.
Robert McFarlane of the Grafton RSL Sub-branch, who has lived in Ulmarra for more than 45 years, said it was wonderful to welcome such a large turnout to the service, and said Anzac Day is an important time to reflect and to commemorate all who have served, and who continue to serve, our country.