Young people have turned out in growing numbers at Anzac Day services across the North Coast, offering a powerful sign the legacy of service and sacrifice continues to resonate with a new generation.
Light rain and drizzle in many parts of the coast did little to deter crowds, with strong attendances recorded from dawn through to afternoon services.
From beaches to town centres, large numbers gathered despite the weather, with both dawn services and morning marches punctuated by school groups and young cadets serving in catafalque parties.
Toormina High School Captain Amber Morley was among those proudly carrying family history, wearing the medals of her great grandfather who served in World War II.
“It’s important for me to celebrate Anzac Day,” she told NBN News. “My great grandfather was part of World War Two.”
Across the Mid North Coast, thousands gathered at dawn services with locals describing growing attendance in recent years.
“I’ve been in this area for about 10 years now … and I’ve certainly noticed an increase in numbers, in particular the dawn services,” one attendee said.
At memorials up and down the coast, thousands stood in the darkness in solemn reflection at dawn services.
As dawn turned into day, marches followed across the region, with veterans leading the way and communities turning out in force.
“It’s magic. They talk about the spirit of Anzac — you can see it on display here today,” one attendee said.
Schools and students were a defining feature of this year’s commemorations. Across social media, thousands of photos of students participating in marches and services were posted, with many school captains taking on prominent roles as speakers.
“We are incredibly proud of our CVAS community for representing our school with pride, grace, and respect at various ANZAC services across the district, including Grafton, South Grafton, Ulmarra, Woolgoolga, and Ramornie,” Clarence Valley Anglican School said.
Hastings Secondary College said it was proud to march alongside other Hastings Valley schools, highlighting Port Macquarie Campus Captain Patience Mansfield, who was a guest speaker at a dawn service, and Clontarf students who also attended.
“With each new year, we’ve got new kids coming in. Each kid’s got their own story, each kid’s got their own family background,” one attendee said.
Political leaders also reflected on the significance of the day at services across the region.
Member for Page Kevin Hogan, who attended the Maclean service, said the turnout reflected strong community respect.
“A very moving service today. It was great to see a large crowd to honour and thank our service men and women for their service and sacrifice to our wonderful nation,” he said.
Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said laying a wreath remained a profound responsibility.
“It is a great honour to lay a wreath on ANZAC Day, an honour that is never lost on me.
“ANZAC Day is a truly universal day that brings us together as Australians, united in remembrance, respect, and gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed for our country.”
In the north of the region, Janelle Saffin described the dawn service at Murwillumbah as deeply affecting.
“The Dawn ANZAC Service in Murwillumbah today was a powerful display of solemnity and comradeship, deeply affecting all who attended.
“The Dawn ANZAC service uniquely unites the community in remembrance.
“The courageous acts of these ordinary soldiers, both past and present, are truly extraordinary.”
From quiet moments at dawn to marches and services throughout the day, Anzac Day on the North Coast carried a consistent message — remembrance is not fading, but being renewed.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au