Ballina ANZAC Day Crowds Largest In Years
The Ballina RSL Sub-branch’s 2024 ANZAC Day services drew the community together in record numbers.
The day began with the traditional Dawn Service in the memorial park adjacent to the Ballina RSL Club, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. The solemn atmosphere was marked by the traditional playing of the “Last Post,” with many attendees placing wreaths to remember those who have served.
The morning continued with the mid-morning service which commenced with the march through town consisting of a full pipe band, historical military vehicles, local schools children, members of community groups, and most importantly local veterans.
Spectators lined the streets, supporting the marchers as they moved towards the cenotaph where attendees were joined by the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, Tamara Smith MP and Mayor Cr Sharon Cadwallader to hear guest speaker Captain Elizabeth Wells of the Australian Defence Force.
View all photographs of the ANZAC Day commemorations
See all the photography of the day on the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch website in their gallery by clicking here.
Rotary Satellite Lifestyle Club – Poppies Initiative
This year’s commemorations also played host to the ANZAC Poppy Commemoration – a joint initiative of the Ballina RSL Club, the Rotary Satellite Lifestyle Club, and the Ballina Shire Council, with the initiative owing its inception to the vision and dedication of Helen Hargreaves and Laurie Jackson of the Rotary Satellite Lifestyle Club.
The thousands of poppies were made by members of Rotary, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), and numerous private individuals. Purchased poppies were pinned onto a metre tall display in the foyer of Ballina RSL Club, for the enjoyment of the public, visiting service personnel, and veterans, with all funds raised going to Legacy Far North Coast to provide support for families of those who served and sacrificed.
The enthusiastic participation in both the dawn and mid-morning services, as well as in the poppy appeal, underscores the Ballina community’s strong ties to its veteran community and Australia’s military history. As the highest attended ANZAC Day event in years, it was a clear demonstration of Ballina’s respect and commitment to preserving the legacy of the ANZACs.
The Ballina RSL Club continues to be central in fostering the ANZAC spirit, and in ensuring that the sacrifices of past generations are remembered and honoured by those of the present and future.
