Dozens of attendees at the North New South Wales Conference (NNSW) Big Camp, in Stuarts Point, gathered before sunrise this morning (April 25) to commemorate Anzac Day with a dawn service, standing together through bursts of rain to honour those who served.
Held at 5:30am, the annual tradition featured hymns, ceremonial readings, music and reflection.
Participating in the service were Australian Defence Force personnel, including Army Lieutenant Jesse Stanfield, Air Force Wing Commander Rustin Quinn and Army Private John Koronui. Wayne Manson, president of the Stuarts Point sub-branch of the RSL and church members representing New Zealand and Papua New Guinea also took part.
“It means a lot to me to stand here in the rain at 5:30 in the morning, when everyone could be asleep and actually take that time to reflect with us on this special day,” said Lieutenant Stanfield. “It’s great to see our church turn out and be part of the commemoration.”
The service included an Indigenous contribution, wreath laying, The Ode of Remembrance, The Last Post and Reveille, with trumpet performed by NNSW prayer coordinator Charissa Torossian. The national anthem was led by The Heights Learning Community principal John Venegas, and several leaders took part in sharing a commemorative address.
NNSW evangelism director Pastor Lyle Southwell, who hosted the event, reflected on the importance of holding the service at Big Camp. “We wouldn’t have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ in the way that we do today if it weren’t for what others have done on our behalf,” he said. “That’s why we feel it’s important to come together and remember.”
Pastor Southwell also praised attendees for their commitment to the occasion. “It did dump with rain halfway through, and I thought everyone’s going to run for cover, but everyone just broke out their umbrellas. That was really good Anzac spirit.”
