Thousands stand as one across Brisbane

National Servicemen's Association of Australia Bayside Branch sunrise service at Manly. Pictured is Australian Army cadet Mitchell Britton, 15, with Trigger McCafferty, 80. Picture: Chris Mccormack Source: Quest Newspapers

HUGE crowds have turned out for Anzac Day services across the southeast to honour those who have served in the defence of Australia.

Here is a wrap of what has happened near you. Check back for regular updates or click this link to find out what else is scheduled today.

Bribie Island

WOORIM Beach was the perfect backdrop to Bribie Island's Anzac Day Dawn Service this morning.

More than 3000 people gathered at the Woorim war memorial to mark the 98th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand forces' landing at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli.

Despite the size of the crowd there was a quiet reverence during the service, broken only by the sound of waves breaking against the shore.

Vietnam War veteran Graham McIlvanie, a former 2RAR infantry soldier, said the Woorim service had grown from a few hundred people 10 years ago to thousands.

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He said the sound of the waves combine with the peace and serenity of the park and Moreton Bay fig trees set Woorim apart from other services.

National Servicemen's Association of Australia Bayside Branch sunrise service at Manly. Pictured are Australian Army cadets. Picture: Chris Mccormack

Mr McIlvanie, who attended with his wife Heather, thanked the local Navy and Army cadets for turning out to support the veterans and ex-servicemen.

"I congratulated all those young fellows for their participation," he said. "They need encouragement and to know their efforts are appreciated."

TS Koopa Australian Navy Cadets provided this year's catafalque party while Banksia Beach State School captains Anna Goodman and Jasper Lay trumpeted The Last Post and Reveille.

ANC Lieutenant Michael Bierton said the Woorim dawn service was among the best in the region.

"It's not like being there, but you can get a feel for how the diggers arrived on the beach and you can hear the waves breaking in the background," he said.

Bribie Island is home to more than 1000 veterans and ex-servicemen and its RSL Sub-branch has about 800 registered members.

Moreton Bay

National Servicemen's Association of Australia Bayside Branch sunrise service at Manly. Pictured is Lily McIvor from the Australian Army cadets. Picture: Chris Mccormack

EVEN the strongest and bravest of men fought back tears at the Redcliffe dawn service as poet Rupert McCall paid tribute to the true meaning of ANZAC.

"This is a tribute to a century of care. Mates helping mates. This is a true story," McCall passionately proclaimed before reciting his three-minute poem penned especially for the Redcliffe Peninsula's dawn service.

"He fell hard at Gallipoli, he bore the bullet's brunt. He will never be forgotten, where he held the western front," the 6000-strong crowd on Redcliffe's beachfront heard.

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In a tribute to all wars and conflict, the emotional rendition hit close to home for a group of about 20 soldiers who served in Afghanistan and were present at the Redcliffe dawn service.

"They served in every corner, every woman, every man. And still, they serve with honour, and like Darren Smith, Afghanistan."

Redcliffe RSL Sub-Branch president Neville Cullen said he had never seen a crowd as big or as passionate as the one this morning.

Pine Rivers / Kallangur

Anzac Day dawn service at Club Pine Rivers, Bray Park. Picture: Russell Brown

ON A beautiful crisp and cloudless dawn, thousands in Pine Rivers paid their respects to fallen Australians of all wars.

The symbols of Anzac Day, old and new, were plentiful at the Bray Park/Strathpine RSL ceremony in Club Pine Rivers.

Military berets and slouch hats sat above coat breasts bulging with medals. The wheel-chairs were fewer again this year, showing the signs of the passing of more diggers.

But infant sons clung to the shoulders of fathers remembering past loved ones and hoping for a future free of war for their little boys.

Regular attendees estimated the crowd at more than double last year's record numbers.

It was a similar tale at the Pine Rivers District RSL Sub Branch service in Kallangur where thousands gathered to pay their respects.

Logan

HUNDREDS woke early to pay their respects to our past and present service men and women at Anzac Day dawn services around Logan.

Anzac Day dawn service at Club Pine Rivers, Bray Park. Picture: Russell Brown

About 700 people gathered at Logan Village Cenotaph for the wreath laying ceremony, The Ode and the sounding of The Last Post.

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Logan Village RSL sub-branch president Terry Flanagan said he was impressed with last year's dawn service crowds but this year was overwhelmed by the number of people who turned up.

"It's lovely to see the young kids come down and attend," he said.

"Logan Village is a fairly little place but to see that amount of people come down is great."

Bethania woman Melanie Moreland attended with husband Chris and their children Sarah, 11, and Josh, 9.

She said it was the second year the family had been to the Anzac Day dawn service at Logan Village.

Anzac Day dawn service, Beenleigh. Picture: Renae Droop

"We think it's important for the kids to understand what Anzac is all about so it's not just a word but the meaning behind the word," she said.

"We have found Logan Village has a really good community feel about it."

Large crowds also gathered at Beenleigh including Rivermount College student Harry Griffiths who wore his great grandfather's medals.

Morningside

THOUSANDS of families, children and returned serviceman braved the cool air for dawn services on Brisbane's east side this morning.

At Morningside, scouts led the 4.15am march with a full moon creating a picture-perfect backdrop for the 98th anniversary of Anzac Day.

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The crowd heard that during the 1980s only 40 braved the early service on Wynnum Rd while today that number had swollen to at least 200.

Anzac Day dawn service, Beenleigh. Picture: Renae Droop

Reverend Allen Anderson addressed the crowd by saying the Anzac spirit lived on through those of us who cherished their memory.

"Those sacrifices were made from people then for those of us now," he said.

Wynnum

AT least one thousand turned out for the 5am service at the Wynnum RSL Club while Darling Point's Sunrise event also featured record numbers.

Morning walkers attended the ceremony with their dogs while kayakers out for a morning paddle on Moreton Bay also showed their respect.

Young Wynnum resident Ashley Petit stole the show when he laid flowers at the memorial in honour of the fallen and Vietnam veteran Russell Wiseman said it was such moments that made Anzac Day so special.

The bayside branch of the National Servicemen's Association held its march from 8am with Wynnum following soon after.

Acacia Ridge

RESPECTFUL silence in honour of the fallen brought the Acacia Ridge Anzac Day commemoration ceremony to a close this morning.

Veterans march in Goodna's Anzac Day parade 2013. Picture: Jane Chudleigh

Grandparents, parents and school children sat side by side in soundless prayer to remember the sacrifices made in the name of liberty.

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The ceremony at Grenier Park attracted more than 100 community members who paid their respects under the direction of the Sunnybank RSL sub branch.

Dignitaries included State Member for Sunnybank Mark Stewart and Craig Wood who represented Cr Steven Griffiths.

Students of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic primary school read the Anzac Day resolutions, which were followed by a poignant laying of wreaths.

Holland Park

The Holland Park RSL sub branch's 8am service at the WJ Scott Park this year enjoyed a turnout topping 1000.

The sunny morning saw state member for Greenslopes Ian Kaye and federal member for Bonner Ross Vasta join local police representatives and a dozen of local groups including most nearby schools, scout groups, Rotary and the Mount Gravatt Historical Association and the Mount Gravatt Salvation Army to lay wreaths in a ceremony led by sub branch president Alan Hellier.

Carindale

Defence Force cadets march in Goodna's Anzac Day parade 2013. Picture: Jane Chudleigh

IT was a beautiful, crisp morning at the Tarragindi service at Ekibin Memorial Park where close to one thousand people came to pay their respects to fallen Australian soldiers.

Starting with a march led by the Carindale Salvation Army Band it was a short and simple yet moving commemoration to the men and women who gave their lives to in the name of liberty.

People of all ages, from veterans to toddlers and babies, were out in force to honour those who have served and continue to serve to protect the country. School children, boy scouts, politicians and members of the general public all gathered at the park.

Lieutenant Steven Rusman gave a moving speech, speaking of the sacrifice of fellow soldiers, both in the past and those currently serving.

It was a poignant moment as the Last Post was played by a lone trumpeter, The Ode was read by Yeronga/Dutton Park RSL Sub Branch president Kevin Fitzgerald and a moment's silence was held to remember the fallen.

More reports coming soon.

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Defence Force cadets march in Goodna's Anzac Day parade 2013. Picture: Jane Chudleigh

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Thousands gather for Anzac march

UPDATE: THOUSANDS of Victorians have lined St Kilda Road for the annual Anzac Day march, after near-record crowds attended the dawn service.

Crowds gathered from Flinders St to the Shrine of Remembrance in an emotional salute to our Diggers.

The roar of the crowd that lit up 90-year-old war veteran Ray Chamberlain's face as they spotted him reach the end of Melbourne's Anzac day parade.

"It's the best thing I've ever heard," he said afterwards, catching his breath near the Shrine, but still smiling after his long, hard march.

"There's so many people. It makes you feel so proud."

The retired sheep shearer, who survived six years in the navy during the Second World War, was just one of hundreds of veterans, their families and supporters who marched under sunny skies as others clapped and watched to mark the 98th anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli.

Vitalia Mitchell joins his and grandmother Val Mitchell at the parade.

Guide to Anzac Day services in Melbourne's suburbs

Pictures: Anzac Day across Australia and New Zealand

In the crowd was a mixture of generations, all celebrating that Anzac spirit, only to be disrupted by one minor anti-war protest that included placing a maimed dummy in camouflage and bandages on Princes Bridge.

Vietnam veteran Gerry Bruin said there was a place for protesters but Anzac day was not it.

"I don't like any protest on Anzac day," Mr Bruin said.

"It should be neutral. Leave the protest for another day."

Navy man Jack Levy, 90, before today's Anzac march in Melbourne. Picture: Jon Hargest

Caroline Mlkvy, 23, of Pakenham said she wouldn't have missed the march for anything.

"It's part of our heritage," she said.

"It's important to represent and remember the fallen. It's what Australians should do for those who served our country."

Marchers pay tribute to Boer War soldiers. Picture: Mar Wilson

Matt Boulton, 54, of Brunswick said he and his wife always enjoyed the day.

The pair attend the dawn service, parade and Anzac Day footy clash as a tradition.

"We do it to support the Diggers and all their sacrifices. But it's also a great day out."

Dawn service

About 45,000 people assembled in the dark for the dawn service and stood in silence as the Last Post rang out across the Shrine.

Thousands more gathered for services at cenotaphs across the state.

The start of Melbourne's Anzac Day parade Picture: Mark Wilson

The crowd was welcomed with stories of those who had served in past wars when the commemorations began at 5.45am.

Liberal leader Tony Abbott, Premier Denis Napthine and Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle were among the dignitaries gathered to hear tributes to the fallen from conflicts past and present.

Young people were a big part of the service with year 11 student Kate Mani reciting the poem In Flanders Fields.

Around 40,000 people paid tribute to Australia's fallen soldiers at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

The mood was best summed up by Private Gregory Williams, who served in Afghanistan in 2010 and returned to Victoria to become a police officer.

He said throughout history Australian and New Zealand men and women have stood side by side in battle.

"The word Anzac will mean something different to all of you, however it brings us all together," he said.

People gather around the eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance for the dawn service on Anzac Day in Melbourne. Picture: Nicole Garmston

He said many would ask whether the Afghanistan war was worth it, but today was a day to remember, not to have such debates.

"The war in Afghanistan has been controversial and costly, the price paid is Australian lives," he said.

"Many will ask if the mission has been a success or failure but on this day the answer is irrelevant.

Kim White from Geelong with his grandfather's air force medals. Picture: Nicole Garmston

"We remember what those great Australians have done, putting their lives at risk to give the Afghan people something they have never known ... peace."

Turtut Kacmaz , whose father fought for the Turks in Gallipoli, made the pilgrimage to Australia his dad never could.

The 78-year-old said he was moved by the ceremony and the huge crowd.

"My father always explained to us that Australian soldiers were very courageous and well-equipped for war," he said.

Turgut Kachaz and Ahmed Cetinkran from the Australian Turkish Institute in period costume. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mr Kacmaz said while his father Huseyin lived to 110, he never got the chance to visit Australia.

Mr Kacmaz said a great bond of friendship had developed between the nations.

"My father used to tell me no matter how fierce and ugly the war, that friendship is much sweeter and more powerful."

Brian Johnson served with the Royal Australian Mechanical Engineers, and said the dawn service was an important ceremony for the nation.

"I was amazed by the crowd and all the young people, especially the children," he said.

"Ceremonies like this are the only way they can learn about history and we don’t have too much history in this country so we should celebrate what we have."

Thousands attended the dawn service. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Jess Graham, 22, said the ceremony provided a good perspective on war.

"It was really enlightening. It made you feel empathy for what the soldiers went through at Gallipoli and other wars as well."

Many stayed for the traditional gunfire breakfast, and were expected to attend the Anzac Day march that starts at 9am at Princes Bridge down St Kilda Road and to the steps of the Shrine.

The services mark the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.

People remember the fallen. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Organisers pointed to the mild weather conditions for helping lift crowd numbers, but said it was also a reflection of the day's increasing significance.

Earlier, Shrine of Remembrance CEO Denis Baguley said it would be be a very traditional service, reflecting the sacrifices of Australian service men and women.

"It is a simple service, but one that is very poignant," he said.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at the cross on Mt Macedon. Picture: Jay Town

"It is a day on which Australians reflect on the Anzac spirit and its place in Australia today," he said

He said everyone from young children to veterans attended the service.

Meanwhile, former premier Ted Baillieu will head a committee to organise Victorian celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Anzac day.

Premier Napthine said Mr Baillieu will work with members of the RSL and other returned services organisations on the state's recognition of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli in 1915.

"This is the 98th anniversary of Anzac day and the 100th in 2015 will be very, very huge. We in Victoria are committed to that," he told ABC television at the Anzac parade.

Dr Napthine said the State Government was also making significant improvements to the Shrine of Remembrance, including a $45 million development of the undercroft to enhance its commemorative and educational capabilities.

The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Mt  Macedon. Picture: Jay Town

 With AAP

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Thousands to reveal tales of heartache

The board for the Royal Commission: Bob Atkinson, Prof Helen Milroy, Justice Peter McClellan AM, Justice Jennifer Coate, Robert Fitzgerald and Andrew Murray. Source: The Daily Telegraph

AT least 5000 people could tell their traumatic stories to the royal commission into child sex abuse.

And the commission says the reputations of individuals or institutions will not be spared if naming and shaming was justified.

Justice Peter McClellan, the chair of the six commissioners, said they would not hesitate to air allegations if they felt they were justified - but they would allow those people or institutions to be represented by lawyers.

It was also revealed yesterday that the commission would look at the sentences handed down in the courts for child predators.

The commission has already begun exercising its wide powers to uncover child sexual abuse and the response of institutions to it.

Justice McClellan said orders to produce documents have been served on the Catholic Church and the Salvation Army and the DPP in New South Wales.

Counsel assisting the commission, Gail Furness, SC, reiterated that the commission was neither a court nor a prosecutor.

"It will not make findings that a named individual was sexually abused by a named person within an institution," she said.

"It will, however, in appropriate cases, and after according procedural fairness, make findings about the conduct of institutions and individuals within those institutions in responding to allegations of child sexual abuse."

Motel function rooms in regional towns will be used for child sex abuse victims to reveal their darkest and most painful secrets.

The commission will spread its net wide to cover more than the Catholic Church and other religious institutions.

Offences may have happened when victims were Scouts, Girl Guides, orphans, at kindy or at swimming, netball or little athletics.

The six commissioners and staff are bracing themselves for the job of listening to harrowing accounts, many of which will be spoken about for the first time because there has been no one to listen.

"The commissioners accept that on behalf of the nation they have been asked to bear witness to the past experiences of those who have suffered child sexual abuse in institutions," Justice McClellan said.

"We have been told that many of the accounts we receive will contain serious and often shocking allegations."

The commission, established late last year by the Federal Government, yesterday declared itself officially open for business with a brief hearing in Melbourne.

Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnson said the commission was starting to understand the depth of its task.

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Thousands of sharks swarm beaches

Authorities close a stretch of beach in Florida as thousands of migrating blacktip sharks come close to shore. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

SEVERAL South Florida beaches have reopened after the migration of thousands of sharks led to precautionary closures.

The Palm Beach Post reports three Palm Beach County beaches have reopened, though unseasonably chilly temperatures likely will keep most swimmers away anyway.

Intermittent closures are still possible. When sharks are spotted near shore, lifeguards close beaches for at least a half-hour.

Craig Pollock, a lifeguard superviser at Midtown Beach, said it was the first time he'd seen the sharks out in such huge numbers.

"We got here this morning and they were thick, really thick," Pollock said. "They were frenzied and chasing bait all the way up to shore. They were practically right on the sand."

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