People of all ages and backgrounds gathered for the Anzac Day parade in Gunnedah on Friday morning.
After veterans in vintage cars received applause while driving down Conadilly Street, the Gunnedah Shire Band led the march.
Veterans along with representatives from schools, the Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch, the Veterans Motorcycle Club, emergency services, Salvation Army, Australian Stock Horses, Gunnedah Pony Club and more marched in remembrance.
People convened at the Gunnedah Cenotaph, where Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch president Anthony Adams was introduced.
He began with the words of former federal Member for Gwydir, Captain Charles Lydiard Aubrey Abbott.
“I do not defend war,” Mr Adams quoted. “No person who has experienced it and knows its sufferings, can do so, but I do say this – that war, being necessary, being forced upon us, can we help thrilling with pride when we know what Australians did?”
Mr Adams called for people to support and stand by Anzacs, not just through remembrance and gratitude, but with action.
“Too many of our veterans face battles long after service ends, mental, physical wounds that do not heal, a struggle for proper health care, a fight for stable housing, a search for meaningful employment,” he said
“Actions mean advocating for veterans.”
He said there were more than 400 veterans in the Gunnedah community.
Gunnedah Shire Council mayor Colleen Fuller spoke of the Gunnedah people who offered to “serve and pay the ultimate price”.
“Thank you for joining us today to pay tribute to the men and the women who defended our country,” she said.
Reverend Cody Bros offered the prayer of thanksgiving, the prayer of King and Our Nation and the prayer for the armed forces and their families.
Children of Gunnedah South Public School sang the recessional hymn and later the Australian Anthem.
Students from St Mary’s College recited a reading from the Gospel according to St John.
The guest speaker was Australian Army veteran Adam Arndell.
He served in the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, from 1994 to 1999.
Mr Arndell spoke of the Anzac spirit, how it stays with a veteran, and how that spirit shows in a community.
“When you leave the Army, you leave behind rank, routine, and that ever-present sense of purpose,” he said.
“But you take something with you too. Something unshakable.
“The Anzac spirit doesn’t stay on base or on the parade ground—it becomes part of who you are.”
The commemorative flyover was from the Royal Australian Air Force Hawk 127.
Mr Adams thanked the Gunnedah RSL Sub-Branch executive and committee for their dedication to hosting events during Anzac Day.
He also thanked schools, parents and carers, those who laid wreaths, who marched, who organised horses, travellers, speakers and the Gunnedah Shire Band.
“Most of all, thank you to our veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Adams said.
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