It has been 110 years since Anzac Day was first commemorated, and the feeling in Alstonville was that it is as important in 2025 as it has ever been.
Considering the rain that fell on and off, the turn out was incredible – young to elderly well represented – and it made an impact, tears coming to the eyes of an ex serviceman as he spoke of what the day meant with so many people in attendance.
John Gordon, Alstonville RSL Sub Branch Secretary MC’d, starting with prayer, many people spoke – older with service experience, and younger with admiration; respect and a desire to make it known that the term “Lest We Forget” resonates with the youth of today.
Lt Col Danial Healy, the Commanding Officer of the 41st Battalion based in Lismore spoke of soldiers from Alstonville that have made a real difference to the lives we lead today.
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We were reminded of why we celebrate Anzac Day today, “Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli before dawn on the 25th April, 1915 as part of the British and French lead invasion. The allies mission – to capture the Dardanelles Strait and destroy the turkish guns that were preventing the naval ships passing, ” said Lt Col Healy.
It was a strategic plan, but the “day of sorrow” ended with 2000 Australians dead or wounded on the beaches of Gallipoli. Some areas gained a mile of ground, other areas not so much, but for 8 months in stalemate, the battle continued.
“In December the Anzacs were evacuated, by then about 8700 Australians and almost 2700 New Zealanders were killed.
“It is the disastrous Gallipoli campaign that has come to symbolise the Anzacs. Their courage, determination, fighting prowess, humour and mateship.
“At the conclusion of WWI, one in 17 people in Australia were either dead or wounded.”
Lt Col Healy went on to speak of local heroes, Private Patrick Joseph Bugden BC, who earned a Victoria Cross for his efforts on the front and rescuing comrades.
Also, Arthur Bates, James Griffin and Fred Abbott (among others) were remembered – from Alstonville, they were a part of the 41st and made the ultimate sacrifice during WWI.
The year following Gallipoli, in 1916, the 41st Battalion was formed. Their motto is “Mors Ante Pudorem” which means “Death before Dishonour”. This motto was adopted by 41 RNSWR because since its formation in 1916 none of its personnel have been captured in battle.
This year is Lt Col Healy’s last Anzac address as the 41st’s commanding officer, as his tenure will be complete later in 2025.
Every year, a competition is held by schools in the area for written submissions from the students. This years runner up was Zifriya Mukherjee from Alstonville Public School, and the winner was Declan MacQueen from Wollongbar Public School with his entry called “The Glow of Courage.”
Wreaths were laid by many servicemen, ex servicemen and other members of the community in a solemn procession.
The Ode was read and Gwendoline Haydon played The Last Post beautifully as the magpies warbled from the trees above and the flags were lowered and then raised once more. Gwen has been playing since she was in Kindergarten.
The New Zealand and Australian National Anthems were played before the closing of the event.
Many people in attendance were happy to share their thoughts on the day;
Kerry, Alstonville resident of 30 years and loves it – “It’s a day of commemoration and remembrance and thinking of those that have gone before us. We are here today because of them. I come here for the people – everybody that comes together to remember.”
Mat MacMahon, Class 1 Regimental Sergeant Major of the 41st Battalion – “We’ve got depots from Taree all the way up to the Tweed River and today we have our members right across the Northern Rivers. It’s so awesome to see the young kids out and about today, in particular the school captains who spoke so well.”
Rachael Shipman brought her son James, 9, to his first Anzac Day commemoration.“We have just watched the movie The Six Triple Eight. It is an amazing movie, if you haven’t seen it, you should watch it 🙂 I thought it would be amazing for him to see what happens on Anzac Day.” James commented that the day seems quite special and spoke of his older brother who is serving.
Blue Skimmings, Joined the Navy from Astonville in 1971 – “The crowd is excellent, a great turn out, especially the school children and it’s school holidays!”
Adam a local Alstonville villager – “We are here for tradition and our daughter is marching with Rous Public School. My dad is a vet.”
Phil Skinner, Vice President of Alstonville RSL Sub Branch – “We are very pleased to see the turn out. The weather as it is, we weren’t expecting this turn out and it’s fabulous to see the kids here.”
Jenny, an 80 year old advocate – “I had a lot of uncles and aunts that served in the wars. I believe on coming each time, and if I can’t, well I’ll come to the next one.”
John Gordon, Alstonville Sub Branch Secretary – served 20 years – “It’s paying back to all those that have gone before me. Giving back and leading the way for the younger veterans to come back into Civic Street. Learning how to be a civic person after spending time in the military.”
Huge crowds also turned out to ANZAC Services in other parts of the shire, including the Dawn Service in Ballina and a special beachside commemoration at Lennox Head.
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