Each year, ahead of ANZAC Day, the ANZAC Field of Remembrance provides a space where veteran families and war widows can honour and remember their loved ones.
While the service is held in Sydney, distance, health, or circumstance can make travel difficult for our many members living regionally. This is why we host the regional gatherings for regional members to watch the livestream of the service, allowing war widows to come together, lay crosses, and share the experience with the people who understand their loss and their feeling around ANZAC Day better than anyone.
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.
Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Harbour gathering brought together approximately 19 attendees from the Clarence, Macksville and Coffs areas. It took place at C.ex Coffs with an appreciated morning tea.
Members described the experience as both “lovely” and “moving,” with clear visibility of the service allowing participants to feel closely connected to proceedings in Sydney.
“It’s good to have this. People can’t go to Sydney, it’s good to be able to watch the service with everyone.” Some gatherings 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 attendees 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,” said one attendee.
Albury
Albury saw a “strong turnout,” as one widow put it, with more than 20 widows attending the livestream gathering. The ladies loved the morning tea of sandwiches and scones.
“The service was great.” Attendees could confidently say that the livestream participation wasn’t passive and effortlessly provided the feeling of being part of the service.
Albury’s Coordinator provided 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 attendees are unable to attend the service in person.
“It’s important, so the ladies that want to come, can join it. We had so many ladies join because it suits them well, and everyone can sit and relax. It should continue.”
Laurieton
In Laurieton, the gathering was described with just one word, “marvelous”.
Around 20 attendees shared morning tea together and had many personalised, painted crosses at the ready for when tributes were to be laid.
The livestream itself was a moving experience, with participants reflecting on the emotional impact of the service. “It brings back memories,” one attendee shared.
The gathering held particular significance for the women present, 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 included members travelling from Yass, Queanbeyan, and Goulburn to attend at the Yass Soldiers Club.
The day began with morning tea, followed by the livestream and lunch. Attendees sat together, watching attentively. During key moments of the service, including the Ode and the laying of the crosses, members stood in deep reflection.
The atmosphere was described as deeply respectful and allowed many of the ladies present to not just passively watch the service, but to actively participate.
Over the last five years, the livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has proven to be an inclusive way for war widows across NSW to take part in remembrance, regardless of age, location, or mobility. We encourage members to join again next year, whether in person or virtually as we continue this yearly tradition.
