Despite the cold and wet weather, more than 6000 people turned out for the Mount Gambier Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Vansittart Park Soldiers Memorial.


Royal Australian Navy Captain Alistair Cooper from Canberra delivered an Anzac Day address while Tenison Woods College captain Bree Robinson recited the Anzac Requiem.


Captain Cooper said it was an inspiration and an honour to be able to deliver the Anzac Day address at the dawn service.


“Not only do I get to remember the service people who have gone before and what their service means to me but I get to do it in a community as strong and vibrant as Mount Gambier,” he said.


“They have displayed courage, ingenuity, excellence and in the midst of day to day work to have leading lights such as those people who have gone before us is really important.


“Ultimately we do not serve for our own sake, we serve for the sake of our families, our community, our nation and to see a community like Mount Gambier is a reminder of why we serve.


“Given the weather is a bit iffy, to see so many thousands of people, it’s a very strong reminder of how important that community is.”


Mount Gambier Community RSL president Bob Sandow was the master of ceremonies and Minister Dave Sigley recited a prayer.


In Anzac Day tradition, wreaths were laid, the Last Post was played, The Ode was recited, there was a minute of silence and the national anthem was sung.


In attendance were dignitaries including Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM, Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Ben Hood MLC and Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell.


Mr Sandow said he was pleased with the attendance at the service.


“We had very good numbers putting wreaths out, there were four senior schools and 10 primary schools. It is very good because we are trying to encourage the kids and that is what it is about.”


The annual march took place down the main street from 10am followed by the mid-morning service which followed a similar schedule to the Dawn Service.