The record floods that laid waste to parts of the Northern Rivers earlier this year have not been enough to stop many in the New South Wales region from going above and beyond to ensure that Anzac Day services go ahead.
Lismore City RSL sub-branch secretary Wilson McClelland said the main cenotaph at the Memorial Baths was damaged in the first flood, but temporary repairs had been done to allow the dawn service to proceed.
He said special permission had also been granted for a street march through Lismore's CBD.
Mr McClelland said it was important the community came together to remember those who lost their lives in wars.
"It's always important to the veterans and the community, but I think this year more so because of the devastation that's happened to everyone," he said.
Special tribute for first responders
Murwillumbah RSL sub-branch Anzac Day coordinator Derek Sims said this year's service would include a special tribute to emergency service workers and volunteers.
"This year, for the first time, we're asking the first responders and other people who have helped us out in floods and bushfires and COVID-19 [to come] and let the public see them and thank them and involve them in a service," he said.
Mr Sims said Monday would be the first time Anzac Day services had been held in the town since the pandemic.
He said the cenotaph had narrowly escaped flood damage.
Weatherproof poppies
A bridge festooned with bright red poppies capable of withstanding bad weather seemed like a fitting way for a town that had endured record-breaking floods to honour the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in war.
The Rotary Club's Kaileen Casey said there exactly 7,841 hand-crocheted poppies lining the Murwillumbah bridge this year.
She said the idea was conceived last year, with the humble goal of covering a single pole.
But the community response far exceeded expectations and in 2021 there were enough poppies to cover the entire length of the bridge along one side.
Ms Casey said the interest and support continued to grow and there were now enough to span both sides of the bridge.
"It's so close to the heart of all of us," she said.
Hundreds of people have contributed to the Poppies on Parade project in part, Ms Casey said, because there was "no wrong" when it came to crocheting.
"It's a project that isn't restricted to any age … and it's an activity that everyone can do," she said.
Border service returns
On the border, Norm Henstridge from the Tweed Heads Coolangatta RSL sub-branch said he hoped Monday would be a return to normal after two years of disruptions.
"Our sub-branch is a bit unusual in that it's right on the border," he said.
"We're actually physically located in NSW, but we're part of RSL Queensland and with the border closures and the various restrictions over the last couple of years it's been a challenge."
Mr Henstridge said the sub-branch was able to have a scaled-down Anzac Day service last year on the Queensland side, but it would be good to see the return of a full service.
