Anzac Day in Nambour in pictures

Hundreds of people lined Mathew Street and gathered at Quota Memorial Park to support the return of Nambour's ANZAC Day parade and service this morning.

Nambour RSL Sub Branch President Kim Symmons said this year represented the first opportunity to conduct both Dawn and Main Service Anzac Day activities since 2019.

The rain held off as Nambour RSL welcomed locals, veterans and guests from Nambour & hinterland to the ceremony.

They join communities across the country in remembrance services paying tribute to former and currently serving servicemen and women from Australia and New Zealand.

The service included the traditional Last Post, one-minute silence and wreath laying and the hymn 'Abide with Me'.

This year’s ANZAC day address was given by retired New Zealand Army Captain Guy Bridson, who toured Cambodia and East Timor, and provided his perspectives on the Australian-Kiwi relationship.

KIWIS' HEAVY WAR TOLL

"In 1914 New Zealand's population was a meagre one million, yet we deployed 100,000 souls to fight in that war," said Mr Bridson. "Sixty percent of these souls were either killed or wounded, which is one of the highest tolls per capita. My family lost two brothers, which is a story repeated in families across our small country."

Mr Bridson said the spirit of the Anzacs lifted both Aussies and Kiwi soldiers' spirits in times of conflict.

"Aussies should be assured that Kiwis are true blue," he said. "And we're up to the task. We will watch your backs if need be. Our defence force might be small. But it is well-trained and has some of the best equipment available. It is like a short, very sharp dagger which will slip straight back in to the Australian scabbard when the time comes."

He said modern Kiwi units were both "terrified and determined" not to let the side down in terms of skills and readiness for conflict.

"We trained tirelessly on pre-deployment and set the standard for future deployments," he said.