In the darkness before dawn, thousands made their way up Mt Clarence and gathered in silence as Albany again marked one of the nation’s most significant Anzac Day commemorations.
About 5000 people attended the dawn service at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, held as the first light broke over King George Sound.
Marking 111 years since troops landed at Anzac Cove, the service also formed part of Albany’s bicentenary commemorations, highlighting the city’s deep connection to the Anzac story.
Albany holds a unique place in Australia’s wartime history as the departure point for the first convoy of Anzac troops in 1914.
The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial is considered the second most recognised Anzac memorial site in the world, reinforcing its importance on both a national and international stage.
For those unable to attend the service at Mt Clarence, the ceremony was also live streamed to Anzac Peace Park, where hundreds more gathered to watch the ceremony on the big screens.
Locals, visitors and veterans stood together in reflection as the ceremony honoured the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women.
MC and Albany RSL services director Capt. Michael Tugwell guided the early morning proceedings, setting a respectful tone for the service.
The national anthems were performed by Angela Gorman, while the Rev. Canon Karen Cave delivered a prayer of remembrance.
A letter reading by Natale Trichilo from St Joseph’s College gave insight into the experiences of a soldier writing home during war time, before the dawn service address was delivered by guest speaker Lt-Col Nathan Mutu of the New Zealand Defence Force.
Lt-Col Mutu said it was an honour to address the community at the dawn service.
“It is indeed a privilege to be standing here in Albany, the home of Anzac Day commemorations, and be in the company of you all this Anzac Day,” he said.
“On this special day each year, Anzacs come together at home and abroad to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders and Australians who have given their lives in the defence of our nations in war.
“Today, we honour all those who have continued to serve and also those who have supported those who have served throughout the many years.
“We especially remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for both New Zealand and Australia.
“Think about the pain suffered, the lives cut short, the dreams unfulfilled, and the grief felt by those left behind.
“Then ask ourselves, what are we doing with this blessing that’s been provided to us, and consider what we can do in this ongoing struggle for a better, peaceful world, and as the morning light is about to pierce the night sky, giving us hope for a better future and removing all darkness, while acknowledging that many have given there today for our tomorrow.”
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Albany mayor Greg Stocks, Albany MLA Scott Leary, 10th Light Horse Association’s Chantelle Hartney, 11/28 RWAR’s Sgt Craig Trigwell and Department of Justice commissioner Brad Royce were among those to lay wreaths at the service.
Albany RSL president Rex Hendriks delivered the Ode, which was followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence that swept across the hillside.
Ms Cave then gave the benediction before the guards dismounted and sea flares were fired to close the service.
For many, the service carried deep personal meaning.
Daniel Anstee, who recently moved to Albany from Narrogin, reflected on his family’s long history of service.
“We’re from a long lineage of serving servicemen from World War I, WWII, Vietnam and myself East Timor,” he said.
“It’s about remembering, obviously the foundation, WWI, but for my family, I remember my grandfather who was in WWII, and my father from Vietnam, and my friends we don’t have anymore.”
Ken Coote also spoke about his family’s connection to service.
“My grandfather served in the New Zealand Army — he was 16 when he enlisted,” he said.
“I’ve served in both Australia and New Zealand. So I’ve got two service medals I haven’t served overseas, a peacetime soldier.
“So Anzac Day is for family and remembering my mates.”
Nina Harris, who travelled from Katanning said the day was an opportunity to connect younger generations with the Anzac story.
“My grandfather was in WWII,” she said.
“I haven’t been (to a dawn service) in a long time but my sister’s son is learning about the Anzacs so we thought we would come up here.”
David Davies travelled from Wollongong, New South Wales to attend the dawn service.
His grandfather served on the HMAS Melbourne and he wore his service cap to the dawn service on Monday.
Mr Davies travels around Australia to attend different services around the country each year and chose Albany this year because of the bicentenary.
Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning, bringing the community together to remember, reflect and honour those who served in conflict.
