Photo gallery: A very wet Port Douglas Anzac ceremony

The heavens open up

Paul Makin

Journalist

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The Anzac march down to Rex Smeal Park was a family affair - Cohen Barnes played the last post for those gathered - 67 crosses were placed on the Port Douglas cenotaph.

It was a very wet Anzac Day ceremony in Port Douglas today as locals mingled with visitors to honour the fallen.

Rain and drizzle didn’t stop hundreds of people in the Douglas Shire turning out to the dawn service at Mossman and later in Port Douglas.

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions that saw many commemorate dawn services in their driveways, 2022 marked the first time that many have been able to return to full capacity services since the pandemic. 

RSL members look on as the fallen are remembered IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

The 107th Anniversary of the Anzac landing in Gallipoli. A march down Macrossan Street was greeted with warm cheers and clapping as servicemen, servicewomen and their families headed for Rex Smeal Park. 67 white crosses representing fallen Douglas soldiers were placed on Port Douglas cenotaph.

The crosses were created and painted by volunteers from the Mossman Men’s Shed with names etched into a plaque by local engraver Janet Goodall.

Mossman RSL Secretary Wally Gray, his wife Chris and branch member Bryan Smith ensembled the crosses, placed a red poppy on each and dipped them in protective coating.

 Mr Gary said 66 crosses have names of fallen soldiers while one cross was unnamed to represent soldiers not recorded.

Just as the ceremony was winding up a huge downpour hit Port Douglas sending everyone scurrying.

While it might have been inconvenient the rain is welcome in Port Douglas. 

All the services were represented at the Anzac ceremony IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
St Augustines choir Mossman were in fine voice for the ceremony IMAGE Paul Makin|FABFM
Students (from left) Kristen Saunders, Kian Byrne and Andaman Travis from Mossman State School Band played for the crowd.
Anzac Day is very emotional for some, and they will always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
As the ceremony was concluding the heavens opened up and it was a bolt for cover.
It was an inconvenience, but the rain is welcome in Port.

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