While the 2021 Coonabarabran ANZAC Day service was a sombre occasion, many were happy to see the commemoration return to the town.

The previous year saw heavy restrictions due to COVID-19. But the Coonabarabran public were back in force this year to pay their respects to those who laid their lives down in service of their country.

Coonabarabran RSL Sub-branch president, Kevin Barrington said he felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

“It was a relief after last year to be able to hold it,” he said.

“Obviously, we had some restrictions we still had to adhere to, but everyone was very understanding and it was good to see such a crowd.

He said the day was well supported by the schools, emergency services and Council employees.

Mr Barrington said one of the highlights of the day was the winning entry of the Jim Nelson Essay Award. The award was won by Shafin Salim, who read his essay at both the dawn and mid-morning services on ANZAC Day.

Jim Nelson was a veteran of Gallipoli and the Western Front and finally settled in Coonabarabran. The annual award is donated by Jim Nelson’s grandson, David Collins, himself a veteran of the Royal Australian Airforce in Vietnam.