Residents from around the Lithgow region were out in masses on Sunday, April 25 to commemorate, mourn and remember our fallen Anzacs.

With services around the region, none was bigger than that out at Portland.

Portland RSL sub-branch president Norman Richardson was very happy with the turn out.

"We remember the sacrifices our ancestors made for the ideals of our sons and daughters," he said.

"So let us mourn with pride."

Covid-19 changed the way the ceremony was normally run since no singing was allowed. Having to skip the recessional hymn, they moved straight onto the prayer of thanksgiving, before having the prayer for the nation and the commemoration for the fallen.

Ian Burrett gave his own address, thanking everyone for turning out to the event.

"The people marching is getting less and less each year as our original Anzacs pass on," he said.

"So I encourage the men and women to wear replicas of their ancestors medals and for the descendants to match."

Robert Hoolisan wanted to thank the Portland RSL, SES and RFS for helping make the ceremony what it was.

Mr Hoolisan called for more people to come and join Portland RSL sub-branch.

"Time is an enemy, so who will carry on when we finish?

"We would love for more people to step forward and continue these traditions, so if you can help out please contact us," he said.

The last post was then played before an Ode for Portland which included returned service people.

Residents and school students then came forward to lay wreaths and crosses at the cenotaph.

Cullen Bullen also had a ceremony commemorating Anzac Day.

Lithgow councillors Wayne McAndrew, Darryl Goodwin and Joe Smith were in attendance and all read a prayer.

Lithgow Highland Pipe Band performed at the ceremony.

The group commemorated Anzac Day at the Cullen Bullen service followed by a performance in Queen Elizabeth Park.

Community members watched on as bag pipes echoed through the town centre. The band also laid a wreath as they were unable to in 2020.

Band member Liam Gambrill-Wilkinson was acknowledged for his five years of service with the band.

Liam started learning in 2011 and six years ago played his first engagement with the group.

"He's been in it ever since and been a vital member in our group," band President Peter Spillett said.

"It gets me out in the community and I love playing with the band," Liam said.

Dawn services also took place in Lithgow, Rydal and Tarana.

Residents also enjoyed the traditional game of Two-Up at the Coronation Hotel in Portland and the Lithgow Workies.

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