A piercing flyby from two BAE Hawk MK127 jet trainers heralded the end of Bellingen’s Centenary ANZAC commemorations.
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The 9am service was attended by one of the largest crowds the town has seen in many years and included representatives from schools, community groups and church organisations.
Leading the proceedings, Bellingen RSL sub branch spokesperson, Rick Maunder told those gathered the significance and essence of ANZAC Day was not owned by any government or officialdom.
“The real meaning of ANZAC Day can be found right here – it’s about communities and those families from across the Valley who have served and sacrificed,” Mr Mauder said.
One local familiar with the wide-ranging affect of war is Debbie Locke. Her brother Matthew Locke died in Afghanistan and his name is the last to appear on Bellingen’s cenotaph.
Fittingly, Debbie was the morning’s keynote speaker, and she offered listeners a nuanced and personal account of ANZAC Day, while paying tribute to those in the Defence Force who’ve served and are serving.
While the mid-morning ANZAC Service was primarily attended by families, hundreds of dedicated locals also paid tribute at the Dawn Service.