Thousands pay tribute to Anzacs at dawn services across Sydney

FROM the inner city, to Bondi and to Penrith, thousands flocked to dawn services across the city for the 101st commemoration of the ANZAC landings.

• COME IN SPINNER! Where to play two-up in Sydney
• Support for Anzac Day ‘not waning’
• ‘This is why I went to fight’: Vet’s call for calm
• Afghanistan operation was poorly conceived

SYDNEYSIDERS in their thousands flocked to dawn services across the city for the 101st commemoration of the ANZAC landings.

Servicemen and women were joined by their families and crowds of wellwishers at Anzac Day events from Palm Beach to Penrith.

The Cenotaph in Martin Place was a popular destination for many participants who ventured into the heart of the CBD for the start of the Dawn Service at 4.15am.

Lest We Forget: ANZAC DAY 2016

VIEW GALLERY

Third generation veteran and former Royal Australian Air Force pilot officer Gary McFarlane has marched in Anzac Day parades for 45 years but it was his first time at the CBD Dawn Service.

“It’s a striking atmosphere,” Mr McFarlane said standing among the sombre crowd.

“My father fought in WWII and my grandfather in WWI so today is very much a family tradition.”

“It’s great to see so many young people coming down and carrying on that ritual.”

Australian Navy Commander David Tietzel was among many servicemen and women to bring their young families along for the day.

Jesse O'Brien, 6, and Kai O'Brien, 7, of Prestons, NSW wearing their grandfather’s Vietnam miniatures during the Anzac Day service at Liverpool this morning. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull pays his respects at the North Bondi Anzac Day dawn services. Picture: Carly Earl

An Army Cadet Warrant Officier at the Blacktown RSL Club. Picture: David Swift

There was a strong turnout at the North Bondi RSL. Picture: Carly Earl

The sun begins to rise over the service at Blacktown RSL Club. Picture: David Swift

Standing with his 11-year-old son Nathan, Commander Tietzel said it was a special day to spend with his family.

“We were all up at 1am to get ready for the day, it’s been exciting for the kids,” he said.

“We’ll be having breakfast together after the service then getting ready to march. I’m looking forward to playing two-up at the pub later in the day.”

Servicemen and woman, veterans and civilians pause together to remember the fallen this morning at the Martin Place dawn service. Picture: John Grainger

Two up games have already started at the St Marys RSL, with Nathan Gaal of St Clair spinning.

Australian Army Cadets arrive at Martin Place early. Picture: Bill Hearne

Large crowds of Sydneysiders have braved the cold to rise for the dawn service this Anzac Day. Picture: Getty Images

Thousands turned up at Martin Place for the dawn service. Picture: Bill Hearne

As sunlight began to peek through the buildings silence swept over the crowd and the city paused to remember the sacrifice of those who served.

Many in the crowd wiped away tears when the Last Post echoed across the solemn gathering.

Premier Mike Baird joined a host of dignitaries including federal deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek and Sydney Mayor Clover Moore in laying wreathes at the Cenotaph.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull attended the North Bondi service.

Federal Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek pays her respects after laying a wreath during the Anzac Day dawn service in Sydney.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione greets Wally Scott-Smith in Martin Place. Picture: Bill Hearne

Young and old have turned out for services across Sydney, including one at Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Park. Picture: Justin Sanson

At Parramatta, a member of the Cataflaque party stands perfectly still alongside the cenotaph. Picture: Justin Sanson

Long-serving guardian of the Cenotaph Wally Scott-Smith was on hand to perform his duties for the 70th

A veteran arrives to attend the Martin Place dawn service this morning.

consecutive year, helping children lay flowers at the foot of the memorial — a task he has performed since 1947.

Despite reports that crowd attendances would drop this year, clear weather made for perfect conditions.

An increased number of police and additional road closures were part of a high visibility effort to heighten security.

Originally published as Thousands pay tribute to Anzacs at dawn services across Sydney