From regional towns to capital cities, Australians gathered on Anzac Day to commemorate and pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the nation's defence forces. The solemn ceremonies at Melbourne, Sydney and Perth dawn services were interrupted by individuals who were widely condemned for heckling and booing during Welcome to Country addresses.
A new memorial honouring animals who served Australia in war was unveiled in Port Broughton, on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. Called 'the war horse' for now, it was made by mechanic-turned-sculptor Wayne Dennis, who also created the 'Loch-Eel' monster sculpture in nearby Lochiel. The horse is depicted drinking from a digger's hat and was adorned with a blanket of purple poppies, which mark the service of animals in war.
Glenn Marskell has been driving his adorned car across Australia for nearly 10 years to raise awareness for veterans and pride in his service. The car is covered in commemorations, including the names of those who lost their lives in Afghanistan. He said this morning's event in Renmark had the biggest turnout he's ever seen at a regional Anzac service, with hundreds in attendance.
Hundreds of people packed the square at Warragul's cenotaph for the Anzac Day service. The service featured speeches from former and current serving members, as well as young recipients of last year's George Collins Kokoda Award who took part in a walk along the Kokoda Trail. President of the Warragul RSL, Lynn Mizen, said she was pleased to see so many people attend, especially young ones learning about history.
Services in remote towns and communities were well attended across Western Australia's Kimberley region. In Broome, hundreds commemorated Anzac Day overlooking the bay and boab trees at Bedford Park. Resident Richard Willmott attended wearing his father's medals alongside his own, saying the camaraderie meant a lot. Bob Alexander, a former SAS member, praised the presence of school children, noting they must learn the history of the services.
