Record Anzac crowd mirrors turn out Gallipoli

Jane Emerick
A record crowd attended the region’s biggest Anzac Day service on Wednesday.
Torquay RSL estimated 8000 people attended the Point Danger dawn service – the same size as the crowd that gathered on the other side of the world for this year’s commemorations at Gallipoli.
Torquay RSL spokesperson Peter Thomas said the Point Danger service was “emotional”.
“The sun was rising from the sea as the vintage aircraft flew overhead and three shots were fired as a tribute to the fallen,” Mr Thomas said.
“The Last Post sounded, there was a minute’s silence and people remembered. It was very emotional and one of the best services we have had in Torquay.”
Point Danger has hosted Anzac Day dawn services since 1948.
Mr Thomas said veterans at this year’s service felt honoured and grateful for the record crowd spilling off Point Danger onto The Esplanade, particularly the large contingent of young people and children.
“It was just delightful to see the younger generation speaking with the veterans about where they received their medals and showing their appreciation,” he said.
Geelong RSL president Hayden Shell said the city service also drew a large crowd.
Almost 400 attended a predawn event and between 3000 and 4000 were at an 11.30am service in Johnstone Park, Mr Shell said.
“There was so many people on the (shrine) balcony and the stairs that they were packed in like sardines.”
Royal Australian Air Force flew four jets over services at Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff and Torquay to mark Anzac Day.