ANZAC Day 2025
Thousands of locals attend 2025 Ballina ANZAC Day commemorations, enduring the rain to remember those who’ve served our country.
Thousands of locals turned out to attend the 2025 Ballina ANZAC Day commemorations, organised by the Ballina RSL Sub-Branch and Ballina RSL Club Limited. From the early hours of the morning to the late morning service, the community showed their deep respect and gratitude for those who have served our country.
The Dawn Service at 5:30am was well attended, with the rain holding off just long enough to allow a slow, solemn dawn to emerge under heavy cloud. The brooding skies added to the atmosphere of reflection, particularly poignant as Australia marked 110 years since the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli.
Special guest Rear Admiral Brad Smith, Head of Maritime Sustainment, attended both services and delivered a powerful address. He shared the story of the Royal Australian Navy submarine AE2, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Henry Stoker. On 25 April 1915, AE2 became the first Allied submarine to navigate the dangerous waters of the Dardanelles into the Sea of Marmara on the very day of the ANZAC landings. Braving treacherous currents, minefields, and enemy fire, AE2 successfully breached the narrow Straits of the Dardanelles. Although the submarine was ultimately sunk on 30 April, its entire crew survived the sinking, though tragically four members later died in captivity. Rear Admiral Smith’s retelling of AE2’s courageous journey added a significant and moving layer to the day’s commemorations.
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The 10:30am march and subsequent ceremony saw River Street lined with thousands of locals — likely one of the largest attendances in Ballina’s history. The sight of so many school groups, young people, veterans, and supporters was deeply moving. The march this year was notably more impressive and better attended by young people than ever before, signalling a heartening increase in engagement from the next generation.
Both services were made even more special with moving performances by the Headliners Chorus, who masterfully performed Abide with Me as well as the national anthems of New Zealand and Australia, adding a stirring musical backdrop to the ceremonies, even coninuing to perform as the rain fell during the conclusion of the second service.
The Rotary Satellite Club of Ballina Lifestyle’s Poppies project was again a resounding success. Thousands of hand-knitted poppies were sold, raising much-needed funds for Legacy, with Ballina RSL grants funding the materials and supporting the installation of commemorative flags and wreaths that adorned the town’s main street. The hand-knitted poppy wreaths, proudly displayed along River Street, created a striking tribute as the march passed by.
The town itself rallied behind the commemorations. Many local businesses participated in the Chamber of Commerce and Satellite Club’s window dressing initiative, creating heartfelt, moving displays that lined the streets with visible support and respect for the day.
The growing strength of Ballina’s ANZAC Day commemorations is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Satellite Club of Ballina Lifestyle, the Chamber of Commerce, Ballina RSL Sub-Branch, Ballina RSL Club Limited, and the enthusiastic support of the local council and Discover Ballina.
Ballina RSL’s new CEO, Guy Diven, expressed his pride in the community:
“It’s incredible to see how the local Ballina community came together to honour our veterans. The turnout for a town of our size is something we can all be proud of.”
From the first light of dawn to the final notes of the ceremony, Ballina showed that the spirit of ANZAC is alive and well — honoured by young and old, rain or shine, with hearts full of gratitude.
