War widows and their families gathered across NSW to honour loved ones through local ANZAC Field of Remembrance services. Each gathering offered a moment to pause, lay a cross, and remember someone who served, together, and in their own way. While the central service was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, it reached well beyond the city.
Through livestreams and local gatherings, members across the state came together in their own communities. From Coffs Harbour to Albury, from Nowra to Laurieton, each gathering reflected the same purpose: to ensure that remembrance remains accessible, meaningful, and personal—no matter where war widows and veteran families live.
Laurieton ANZAC Field of Remembrance regional gathering
In Laurieton, at least 20 Guild members and guests gathered at the United Services Club to take part in the livestream of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance. Attendees included Port Macquarie war widows, local Legacy President, and torch bearers. The club staff provided a welcoming space with morning tea, and members were given a box, sand, and rosemary to lay their custom crosses, creating a local tribute that was displayed at the club until ANZAC Day.
The gathering was particularly meaningful for a 100-year-old war widow who appreciated still being able to watch the service despite not being able to travel. Many attendees noted that being able to take part in the cross-laying ceremony made them feel included, even from a distance. As one member put it, “It was special to still be part of the service and not be forgotten.”
The Legacy attendees also shared how moving the service was, even through the livestream. Several members expressed interest in attending again next year and bringing more people from the community. Some chose to lay their crosses on the day, while others planned to do so at the town’s ANZAC Day service. A number of attendees also took programs to share with family members outside the region, extending the reach of the occasion.
This gathering in Laurieton reflects our commitment to ensuring that remembrance is not limited by location. Whether in city centres or regional towns, we want to help members continue to find meaningful ways to come together, honour service, and carry forward the memory of those they’ve lost.
Gathering for the ANZAC Field of Remembrance in Albury
In Albury, Guild members gathered at Legacy House for morning tea and to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance service via livestream. Thirteen people attended this year, with some travelling from Wodonga to join the group. The gathering still provided an opportunity to come together and reflect.
The Albury group appreciated being able to take part. As one attendee noted, “We did appreciate having that livestream because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t have got any at all.” The morning was simple and focused—sharing tea, conversation, and the service. Attendees valued the chance to be part of the broader remembrance, even from a distance. We are grateful for the ongoing support and assistance of the local Legacy Club who has facilitated this live stream for the last two years.
Gathering at the RSL Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub in Nowra
In Nowra, six war widows gathered at the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance service together. Held in the Purple Poppy Room, the morning included tea, scones and cake.
The livestream created a chance to pause and reflect in the company of others. The women appreciated being able to recognise the day together, and the hub valued the opportunity to support those in the local veteran community through shared remembrance. Thank you to RSL LifeCare for the support with this gathering.
Gathering in Coffs Harbour for war widows in the region
Guild members gathered at C.ex Coffs to take part in this year’s ANZAC Field of Remembrance livestream. Around 20 war widows attended, most travelling from towns across the region including Grafton, Macksville and Nambucca.
The livestream ran smoothly, and the group appreciated being able to take part without needing to travel to Sydney. As one member put it, it was a “wonderful day” and “a good service.” The gathering offered a way for members from across the mid-north coast to come together locally and take part in remembrance in a setting that was both accessible and familiar.
Goulburn ANZAC Field of Remembrance gathering
In Goulburn, members gathered at the Goulburn Soldiers Club for morning tea and to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance livestream together for the first time. Eight war widows attended. In a meaningful mark of support, the café had prepared fresh ANZAC biscuits for the week, adding a fitting touch to the occasion.
For many, the service brought back memories of attending in person. As one member shared, “It’s wonderful to view the service rather than just being told about it.” While age and distance now make travel to Sydney difficult, being able to watch the service together in a group of those who just get it meant a great deal.
The group appreciated the opportunity to be included, with one attendee travelling in from Yass to join. After the service, a few stayed on for lunch and spoke about plans for future gatherings. This local event marked the first time the livestream was shared in Goulburn—something members hope will continue. It provided a practical, respectful way to stay connected to the ANZAC Field of Remembrance and to each other.
The livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has proven to be an inclusive way for war widows and veteran families 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. Watch this year’s service here.
