Hundreds lined the streets of Alstonville before gathering at Elizabeth Ann Brown Park for an ANZAC Day commemoration that blended strong community turnout with a subtle show of support during proceedings.

The morning began with the march through the centre of town, led by the Ballina Pipe Band.

They were followed by veterans, emergency services personnel and a large contingent of school students from across the district.

The strong presence of schools stood out, with children marching and lining the route in significant numbers.

At the park, the crowd was welcomed by the Ballina Concert Band, performing favourites including I Still Call Australia Home and The Road to Gundagai.

The performance carried added significance, marking the final appearance of longtime bandmaster Jim Hawkins.

An ex-serviceman, Mr Hawkins chose ANZAC Day for his final performance after years leading the band, drawing warm applause from the crowd.

The formal service followed at the Alstonville War Memorial, with wreaths laid by veterans, community groups and local representatives.

Among those honoured was Paddy Bugden, the highly decorated World War I soldier with strong local ties.

Bugden was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Polygon Wood in Belgium in 1917, where he repeatedly rescued wounded soldiers under heavy fire before being killed in action.

In a letter home, he wrote: “we are going to the worst fight of the lot… and if by chance anything happens to me… I fear nothing.”

A memorial in his honour stands on Bugden Avenue, where wreaths were also laid earlier in the day.

The keynote address was delivered by Major Elizabeth Wells of the 41st Battalion.

“Today is about acknowledgement and the commemoration of Australians who have served and died on military operations,” she told the crowd.

Reflecting on Gallipoli, she said the campaign, while a military failure, helped define the nation.

“It did solidify our international reputations as an innovative, humble and incessant band of mates.”

Major Wells said the ANZAC legacy continues through those who serve today.

“The Anzacs are not just individuals in black and white reels… we are in your community, and we are your community.”

She said ANZAC Day remained a vital moment for reflection.

“It gives us the time and space in our busy lives to stand and reflect on what was sacrificed for Australia today.”

Jim Hawkins conducting the Ballina Concert Band for his final outing

Alstonville RSL sub-branch president John Porter

Many members of the Alstonville RSL Sub-branch wore olive and green ribbons as a show of support for Ben Roberts Smith

The service paused for the Last Post and a minute’s silence, with the crowd gathered in stillness across the park.

That quiet was broken moments later by the roar of a Royal Australian Air Force FA-18, which passed low overhead at the conclusion of the silence.

The flyover, at an estimated 500 feet, drew a strong reaction from the crowd and marked one of the most striking moments of the morning.

Alstonville RSL sub-branch president John Porter also addressed the gathering, pointing to the strong turnout of young people.

“We see the future looking very strong, with the children from all the schools honouring us on ANZAC Day,” he said.

Mr Porter also voiced his support for Ben Roberts-Smith during the service, drawing applause from sections of the crowd.

A number of ex-service members were also seen wearing olive bands across their medals or on lapels in a visible show of support.

As with the dawn service earlier in Ballina, the rain held off throughout the ceremony, only returning once proceedings had concluded.

The event was organised by the Alstonville RSL sub-branch, continuing a long-standing tradition of community-led commemoration in the village.

Keynote Speaker: Major Elizabeth Wells of the 41st Battalion.

Wreaths were also laid at the Paddy Bugden VC Memorial