Anzac Day at the Longyard Hotel was Australia at its best.
After a magnificent march that honoured service and sacrifice, the crowd rolled in for a game of 2-up — and what a scene it was. Young and old, men and women, country boys and girls alongside townies, locals shoulder to shoulder with visitors from Scotland, Norway, Italy, South Africa and Asia.
Different backgrounds, different stories, but for one afternoon everyone was part of the same spirit.
I spoke with some of the overseas visitors, and with old friends catching up over a story and a drink. There was laughter, cheers, good-natured banter and that unmistakable sense of mateship that still means something in this country. It was such fun.
No divisions, no nonsense — just people enjoying each other’s company and sharing in a uniquely Australian tradition.
That is the Anzac spirit too. Not only remembrance, but camaraderie, resilience and community.
At the Longyard, it was alive and well. A bloody good day, full of joy, respect and togetherness.
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