A sea of silhouettes stood quietly against the first light of dawn as about 5000 people gathered in Albany for one of Australia’s most honoured Anzac Day commemorations.
Held surrounding the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mt Clarence, the dawn service drew locals, visitors and veterans alike, all united in reflection as the sun rose over King George Sound.
The ceremony honoured the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, with wreaths laid and the last post carrying across the crowd.
Emcee and Albany RSL services director Capt. Michael Tugwell guided the early morning proceedings, setting the tone before the national anthems were performed.
A prayer of remembrance was delivered by Reverend Canon Karen Cave, followed by the Anzac Day dawn service address from guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Mutu of the New Zealand Defence Force.
WA police commissioner Col Blanch, Albany mayor Greg Stocks and Albany MLA Scott Leary were among the dignitaries to lay wreaths at the service, which is part of the city’s bicentenary commemorations.
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.
Among the crowd were families, young children and veterans, highlighting the strong connection between generations and the enduring legacy of service.
As the first light broke across the horizon, the message remained that Anzac Day continues to hold deep meaning, bringing the community together to remember, reflect and honour those who served in conflict.
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