Hundreds of people gather for Bunbury RSL Anzac Day ceremony in City of Bunbury

In the early hours of Monday, hundreds of people gathered along the quiet streets of Bunbury as part of the city’s annual Anzac Day commemoration.

Dawn service attendees lined Victoria and Stirling streets and watched and listened in the dark as the Bunbury RSL led the proceedings at the Bunbury War Memorial at Anzac Park.

This was the first time in two years people had been allowed to commemorate the day, and Defence Force members, veterans, cadets, politicians and key Bunbury figures were all in attendance at the service which began at 6 am.

Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi said during his address that Anzac Day was important to remember those people who have sacrificed so much in the service of their country.

Mr Gelmi said the Anzac spirit was present in those who attended services across the country and around the world.

The Bunbury RSL president also mentioned the people of Ukraine and said it was unfortunate people had not learnt from the suffering caused by war, while the Ukrainian flag was among those flying above the war memorial in Anzac Park.

Earlier, Bunbury RSL members and others had gathered at the sub-branch at 4:30 am for refreshments before marching to the memorial.

A second wreath-laying service was then conducted at 8:30 am at Rathmines War Memorial on Austral Parade in Bunbury, before the Anzac Day Parade along Stirling Street began at 10:30 am.

Tickets and social distancing were required for all the free-to-attend events because of COVID restrictions.

The Bunbury RSL also recommended that everyone attending was fully vaccinated and wore masks, however, this was not mandatory.

People who are unable to attend the dawn service were encouraged to conduct a driveway service as in 2020.