After the centenary of Anzac Day last year, numbers were down around Australia for Anzac services this year. Not so on the islands. There were strong turnouts at all Dawn services on North Stradbroke, Macleay, Lamb, Coochiemudlo and Russell Islands, and the later main services (Lamb does not have a main service). Sandy Freeleagus said from Macleay Island RSL sub branch: “Another Anzac Day and Dawn Service over and another occasion where I am in awe of the Islanders' attendance. The crowd of people that confronted us when we arrived at the Cenotaph was amazing. The weather gods smiled upon us and held off until well after the services and the cloud cover made for a pleasant environment. We had our normal kookaburra calls but our resident kookie was AWOL from the flagpole this year. (He will be charged). It was most pleasing to see the number of children in attendance and the number of individuals who elected to lay their own wreaths. This was most heartening, as Anzac Day belongs to all Australians and Kiwis - not just the ex-servicemen and women. The Sub Branch thanks all those individuals who provided and served the gunfire breakfast, our sound man for his music and time and for all those RSL Members who got in and did all that 'behind the scenes' work that resulted in a multitude of tasks that all came together. A very big, BIG thanks to Fr.Jim Brown who got out of a sick bed (not that he would admit it) to come and officiate as always. It was obvious that he was not a well man, but he would not let us down. The President, Committee and Members of the Macleay Island RSL Sub Branch Inc thank the residents and visitors in making the Dawn Service such a resounding success and for your support and enthusiasm.”
• Old soldiers on Straddie
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