Anzac Day 2023: Crowd at Mudjimba’s Esplanade park for Dawn Service
Massive crowds have gathered around the Sunshine Coast to pay their respects in touching services dedicated to current and former servicemen and women. SEE THE PICS, VIDEOS
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As dawn broke across the Sunshine Coast, a lone bugler played the Last Post in front of the stone cenotaph at the Mudjimba’s Power Memorial Park.
At least 2500 community members gathered to remember the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who have served since the First World War at the 2023 Anzac Day Dawn Service.
Alan Johnston said he would remember fellow soldiers, those still serving and those who had passed away as he pinned Ron Rye’s medals before the start of the service.
The pair served in South Vietnam – Mr Rye from 1966 to the start of 1968 and Mr Johnston served in 1971 and 1972.
Community groups, families and service groups laid their wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph during the ceremony.
Mudjimba RSL sub-branch president Graeme Wong said it was the strongest turnout the group had seen in years.
“It was a pretty nice service, the timing was right and the rain kept away,” he said.
The president said the large gathering reaffirmed the value Australians placed on the service of the veterans.
“It gives (veterans) a chance to be seen, to be recognised and to gather with their mates,” Mr Wong said.
Some then went to a gunfire breakfast while other community members cooked their own breakfast in the park.
A crowd of thousands later gathered at the Cotton Tree Park cenotaph following the parade in Maroochydore for an emotional service.
Meanwhile at Mooloolaba, known for its moving Anzac Day service on the beach, the drama after the service became one of the talking points.
Normally, before the sun comes up, surf boats go out and are situated off the beach, behind the break for the service.
Crews lay wreaths on the water in honour of those who fought for Australia and New Zealand, raising their oars during the minute silence.
This year, however, the surf was too rough for the boats to go out so the boats remained on the beach with the oars raised by crew there.
After the main service, several crews decided to head out.
One wasn’t so lucky, with the boat rolling as it was dumped by a large wave crashing on top of it.
After scrambling ashore, with the assistance of others, the crew were not to be deterred.
They jumped back on the boat and waited, and waited, for a safer opportunity to head out.
There were cheers from the crowd as they just managed to get out over a large wave.
The 2023 Dawn Service was even more special this year as Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club celebrates its 100 year anniversary.
About 10,000 people packed the beach and along the esplanade with some lining up for a good vantage point from 4am.
“Celebrating ANZAC Day at Mooloolaba is a special moment for our club members who proudly pay their respects to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is a time for us to come together as a community and acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our servicemen and women, past and present,” said MSLSC President Matthew Horder said.
The Last Post was accompanied by a lone horseman from the 2nd Light Horse Regiment – Woombye Troop on the beach.
The ceremony featured Defence Force veterans leading the ANZAC Day ceremony and Ode, Sunshine Coast Grammar School Bel Canto Choir and a Didgeridoo solo performance by Peter Tilney.
New Zealand servicemen and women were honoured with a local Maori Haka and the New Zealand national anthem sung by Graham Stewart.
The Nipper children of serving and ex-servicemen and women will laid the 12 wreaths representing Australia and New Zealand‘s past campaigns, wars, peacekeeping missions and nurses.
The hour-long ceremony featured the sounds and music of various conflicts, and video montages on the big screen, while there was a strong focus on remembering the impact of the Vietnam War.
“MSLSC Vietnam Veterans are a tight-knit bunch, and a small group of us started planning our first ANZAC Day service in 2008. That first service was attended by just a couple of hundred people watching from the beach. The event has now grown with around 10,000 people attending each year,” Chairman of the MSLSC ANZAC Day Committee and Vietnam Veteran, Ian Atkinson, said.
Check out more photos from the Mudjimba and Maroochydore services here:
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