A MOB of noisy kookaburras lent an authentic bush flavour to the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Bellingen attended by some 300 people including a catafalque party from the 41st Royal New South Wales Regiment.
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A traditional welcome address was given by Brian Mortimer, President of the Bellinger River sub-branch of the Returned and Services League before prayers by the Reverend Jason John.
In his speech RSL sub-branch Vice-President Dave Thomas reflected on what a lucky country we live in.
“In a perfect world there would be no aggression and no need to maintain an ADF (Australian Defence Force),” he said, adding, sadly that was not the case and a professional defence force was needed to defend against any threats to the freedoms that we enjoy.
Wreaths were laid including a floral tribute by Debbie Locke, sister of Sergeant Mathew Locke of the Special Air Service Regiment, a Bellingen-born soldier killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007.
A stirring rendition of The Last Post was played by 13-year-old Bellingen High School trumpeter, Oscar Eager, appearing at his first Anzac Day.
It was followed by The Lament played by Pipe Major Rod McGrath of the Bellinger River District Pipe Band.
The assembly then moved across the road to St Margaret's Anglican Church hall for a traditional Gunfire Breakfast.