Anzac Day 2024

Once again a large crowd of locals gathered to commemorate those who served Australia and New Zealand forces who served, many of whom paid the supreme sacrifice. Each year the Avoca Beach Community Association joins with the Avoca Beach SLSC to bring a simple, but effective dawn service.

We wish to thank the many volunteers who willingly pitch in to help make it a run smoothly. We thank our major sponsors Con and Marg Ryan, Adam from Avoca Beach Butchery and Stone Real Estate. Their contributions are significant, and they enable us to donate all money raised to go straight to Legacy, who do such a great job looking after the families of veterans.

Well done to our local schools, Avoca Beach Public and Kincumber High. The choir sounded wonderful, and the speakers did their job admirably. Thanks to the teachers who spend a lot of their own time supporting the students. Speaking of choirs, we are fortunate each year to hear both our national anthems sung beautifully. A special mention to the Liufalani sisters, Polytra and Summer, who for the fifth time have accompanied Wendy Bauve and Vikki McGuiness for both versions of the Kiwi Anthem.

It’s a big list of volunteers who go into making the morning a success, Nibel Ball and the set-up team who did most of their work in the dark, the Grumpy Old Men of Avoca who work the BBQs under pressure and the ladies who worked equally hard but also brought balance, beauty and light to the breakfast (especially my wife and daughter).

To Stu Harvey and the surf club, who play such an integral part in proceedings, thank you. Finally, to our new MC, Shaun Williamson a huge thanks.

Steve Fortey