Locals estimated the number as up to 2,000.

Whether that is accurate or not, Memorial Hill was completely packed for the ceremony and President of the RSL Sub-branch, Arthur Parker said it was by far the biggest crowd he had ever seen at a dawn service.

More than 60 wreaths were laid, by all the defence services, emergency and local organisations, schools, and some of them by families honouring those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Reverend Canon Brett Watterson delivered a short but powerful address, the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Duncan Clements, and Geoff Stokes on the bagpipes played the Lament.