Each year, we do our best to bring the ANZAC Field of Remembrance to regional areas. It is important to us that widows who are not located in Sydney or who cannot travel to attend the service have a way to be involved no matter where they live.
This is why we host the regional gatherings around NSW to watch a livestream of the service, and allow war widows to come together, lay crosses, and share the experience with the people who understand their loss and their feeling around ANZAC Day.
This year, we hosted regional livestream gatherings in Coffs Harbour, Yass, Albury and Laurieton, with attendees feedback highlighting how moving it was and how much it is needed for them regionally.
Laurieton
In Laurieton, the gathering was described with just one word: “marvellous.” 20 widows came together, sharing morning tea with personalised, painted crosses at the ready for when tributes were to be laid.
The livestream itself was a moving experience, with widows reflecting on the emotional impact of the service. “It brings back memories,” one widow shared.
The gathering held particular significance for the local widows, as the livestream offered a rare chance to take part in a national moment of remembrance, without the difficulty of travelling to a larger service. “There are a lot of the older ladies, so this is great for them.”
Yass
The Yass gathering was held at the Yass Soldiers Club included widows from Yass, Queanbeyan, and Goulburn.
The day began with morning tea, followed by the livestream and lunch. as the widows sat together attentively watching the service, many reflected on their own losses. During key moments of the service, including the Ode and the laying of the crosses, members stood in deep reflection and in solidarity with their peers in Sydney.
The atmosphere was described as deeply moving and allowed many of the widows present to not just passively watch the service, but to actively participate.
Albury
Albury saw another “strong turnout,” with more than 20 widows attending the livestream gathering. “The service was great,” reflected a local widow who said that the live stream paired with their local participation provided a feeling of being at the service in Sydney.
Marlene, Albury Social Club Coordinator, suggested the idea of members placing their crosses in gardens and pot plants, ensuring that their tribute could be laid somewhere they can see every day. “I put my cross in the garden,” she shared.
The accessibility of the livestream was widely appreciated as many widows are unable to attend the service in person. “It’s important, so the ladies that want to come, can join in. We had so many ladies join because it suits them well and everyone can sit and relax. It should continue.”
Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Harbour gathering brought together another 20 widows from Clarence, Macksville and Coffs Harbour at the C.ex Coffs.
Widows described the experience as both lovely and moving, with clear visibility of the service allowing participants to feel closely connected to proceedings in Sydney. As one widow shared, “it’s good to have this. People can’t go to Sydney, it’s good to be able to watch the service with everyone.” This gathering allowed widows from various locations to gather, which they don’t often get the opportunity to do, reinforcing the importance and significance of the livestream.
Several widows brought the crosses they received in their last Guild Digest, enabling them to lay their crosses in the Field miles away from Sydney. “We were glad to be part of it,” reflected a local widow.
Over the last five years, the livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has grown and is proving to be an important way for war widows to take part in remembrance, regardless of age, location, or mobility. We encourage widows to join again next year, whether in person or virtually, and social club coordinators to reach out to our team to organise a gathering in their area, as we continue this yearly tradition.
If you have not been able to see the service on the day, the recording is available to see online below.
