I have attended the ANZAC Dawn Service before and think it a very worthwhile event. It isn't huge, like the Capital City events, but gets a good roll-up in a spectacular setting. It is of course very respectful, which is what it's all about. The main organiser is Mart Tregellas the President of the Mallacoota sub-Branch of the RSL to whom much praise is due, as it is to his helpers and the other speakers at the event.
The mountain bike delivered me to Captain Stephenson's Point at 0550 with a little light in the sky when looking out to Gabo Island.
It was quite cool (apparent temperature at the airstrip was 7.1C) but folk weren't getting too close to the firepit.
Well into proceedings.
A Leading Seaman from HMAS Choules spoke on behalf of the ship and the Navy. The vessel herself was in Sydney, but the Captain and 22 of her crew attended this event in her ceremonial home port.
Other seamen.
The musicians played - very well - during the wreath laying - if that is the right word for casting a memorial wreath into the Inlet.
The sky was well light by this time.
I left once the laying was over, pausing to take these images of the back of the crowd. My estimate was 3-400 folk attended. Also several well-behaved dogs.
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