They gathered at the RSL Club at 5am, and again at 10am, and a pipe band led the march round to the Cenotaph at the Town Clock.

Hundreds of men, women and children remembered those who sacrificed their lives at Gallipoli in the First World War and in conflicts around the world since.

Wreaths were laid, and the crowd listened solemnly as the Last Post was played, the Ode was read, and then Reveille sounded.

Children from the local schools took part, and the crowd sang Abide With Me, Lead Kindly Light and Advance, Australia Fair.

As well as the 8,700 who died in Gallipoli and the 20,000 wounded, the ceremony remembered the Battle of Fromelles, also in World War One, in which 5,500 Australians lost their lives.

Hazel Fraser from Wauchope was at the dawn service.

"I think Anzac Day is a very important day in our country's history. It's wonderful to see so many people with little ones here, and that we foster in them a spirit of respect and remembrance for those who gave their lives," she said.

Old soldier Kim McGrath was at the mid-morning service.

"My grandfather and father and my deceased older brother were also soldiers and I wear their medals and keep their memory alive. I did 30 years myself, including overseas," he said.

Greg Cavanagh of the RSL was delighted to see such a big crowd.

"There are a lot of folk I have never seen before. And it's good to see so many men and women in uniform."