Camera IconOscar Gibson with his great-grandfather Rick Winch during the Busselton Anzac Day parade. Credit: Madelin Hayes

Busselton turned out in force on Anzac Day, with thousands gathering at the Rotary Park of Remembrance to honour those who have served.

Busselton RSL vice-president Grant Henley said he was impressed by the turnout, estimating the service drew about 8000 people.

“The turnout was amazing, we had some lovely conditions for it, but regardless of the conditions, people just continue to turn out in droves,” he said.

“We estimated about 6000 last year, and I think we probably exceeded that this morning.

“It’s heartwarming as a veteran who’s getting on to see so many young people and children here who will continue this Anzac tradition and the legacy for years to come.”

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Mr Henley said Anzac Day remained an important time for reflection and remembrance.

“It’s a day to remember. . . for the freedoms that we live and enjoy today,” he said.

“You don’t have to look too far around the world to see that, sadly, these conflicts are continuing, and hopefully our young people won’t be exposed to some of the terrible things that happened to some of our ancestors, but we should always remember their sacrifice.”

The dawn service was briefly disrupted when a lone heckler shouted during the welcome to country.

The Times understands Busselton was the only regional centre to report such an incident, with a total of 15 move-on orders issued around the State.

Following the dawn service, attendees gathered at the Busselton RSL sub-branch hall for the traditional gunfire breakfast, where volunteers prepared more than 450 bacon and egg rolls.

Anzac Day in Busselton was also marked by a street parade and mid-morning service, with various community groups and defence personnel marching along Queen Street across the bridge to the Busselton War Memorial and the Rotary Park of Remembrance.

Camera IconAbout 8000 people turned out for the dawn service in Busselton. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconJarrad Anastasio, Kate Kimberley, Gemma Guest, Adam Guest and Teddy Guest enjoy the gunfire breakfast in Busselton after the dawn service. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconDi and Steve Pupilli enjoy the gunfire breakfast at the Busselton RSL sub-branch hall. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconKim Beange and Chris Churchill make bacon and egg rolls at the Busselton gunfire breakfast. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconMembers of the community lay wreaths at the Busselton Anzac Day service. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconThe Busselton Anzac Day street parade. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconThe Busselton Anzac Day street parade. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconThe Busselton Anzac Day street parade. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconCornerstone Christian College students march in the Busselton Anzac Day parade. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconRonnie and Lez Phillips. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconVeterans lay wreaths at the Busselton Anzac Day service. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconRSL Busselton sub-branch president Chris Mullin and member Robert Seth. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconBusselton RSL vice-president Grant Henley speaks at the Busselton Anzac Day service. Credit: Madelin Hayes
Camera IconWreaths laid on Anzac Day. Credit: Madelin Hayes

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