By SONJA KOREMANS
SOUTHERN Downs residents turned out in record numbers to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landing.
Numbers at Anzac Day services across the region were more than double that of the year before, RSLs reported.
Warwick RSL Sub-branch President John Skinner said an estimated 2000 attended the Warwick dawn service and about 5000 spectators lined the streets for the main march.
More than 1000 schoolchildren took part in the Warwick parade, Mr Skinner said.
“We had enormous crowds last year in the lead-up to the centenary and were expecting the larger numbers this year but our communities really outdid themselves with the turnout this Anzac Day,“ Mr Skinner said.
In Stanthorpe, Yangan, Allora and Inglewood it was a similar story with residents eager to mark the 100 years since Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the Turkish peninsula and marched into history.
Crowds swarmed to pay their respects in the pre-dawn darkness, while hundreds more followed as the sun rose to cheer on parades.
Photographer Terry West was there to catch some of the special moments of the day at Warwick and Yangan while Perditta O’Connor was at Stanthorpe and Joyce Marsh at Woodenbong.
Visit our website for a full gallery including all Terry’s amazing shots at www.freetimes.com.au
