Bunbury's 2017 Anzac Day Main Service | photos

The crowds flooded in and around the Graham Bricknell Music Shell on Tuesday morning to pay their respects.

Local school groups led the march into the venue, followed by war veterans and their families, the Bunbury City Band, local emergency personnel and crew from Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Toowoomba.

The service began with a tribute to the flags and The Lord’s Prayer, before a touching performance from the Bunbury Men of Song choir, RSL choir and Bunbury City Band of ‘Lest We Forget’.

Kendall Todd and Adam Woods from Grace Christian College then addressed the crowd, acknowledging the sacrifice of those whose lives were taken in Gallipoli.

Local community groups, representatives, dignitaries and the public were then invited forward to lay wreathes in memory of fallen soldiers.

Lance Corporal Brett Corkery played ‘The Last Post’ before The Ode was read, first by Father Kuzie Tuhura in Maori, and then by Bunbury RSL President John Gelmi in English.

HMAS Toowoomba Commander Stuart Watters also addressed the crowds, acknowledging the tragedy of the casualties of Anzac Cove and speaking about the way it has united us as a country.

“Anzac Day is more than a national holiday – it is a fundamental Australian tradition that remains intrinsic to our national character,” Commander Watters said.

“It’s a time to reflect upon those who serve, and those who are serving in the Defence Force.

“Even as the numbers of ex-service men and women grow smaller, the spirit of Anzac Day lives on.”

God Defend New Zealand and Advance Australia Fair were then performed to many patriotic onlookers, before the Royal Australian Navy led the fallout, back to the Bunbury RSL Hall.

Bunbury RSL invited the public back to the Sub-Branch Hall after the parade for light snacks and social activities.