'For an old soldier it certainly warms the heart': Hundreds turn out for march

School kids lined the street along with members of rotary clubs, SES, and Marine Rescue NSW.

Among those marching were Paul Burns and Dennis McCrorie.

Both veterans are new to the region and were marching at Ballina for the first time.

Mr McCrorie, who now lives in Alstonville after moving from the Blue Mountains 11 months ago, carried the New Zealand flag in the march.

"I was very impressed with how many people turned up at the Alstonville dawn service this morning, too" he said.

"For an old soldier it certainly warms the heart."

Mr McCrorie did twenty years service in the New Zealand from 1967 to 1987 and was active in Vietnam.

"I went in as an 18-year-old and was overseas for the first time at 20," he said.

"I was from a small town and had hardly ever travelled, so it was a bit daunting at the time."

Meanwhile, Mr Burns moved from Sydney just before Christmas.

He said it was important to keep connected and meet veterans.

"I was in a group that never ended up going to Vietnam because of what was going on with the government at the time," he said.

"I finished my training at Randwick in the CMF.

"We did get service medals and it's always been a special day where I like to reflect on that time.

"I've retired in the RSL retirement village here and it has everything I need.

"I have a niece at Newrybar and I'm a country boy at heart.

"I get on with people fairly well and I've been wandering around having a bit of a chat with everyone."

A big crowd stayed on for the wreath laying ceremony opposite Ballina RSL Club.

Ballina Pipe Band and the Combined Schools Band were part of the service while Brendan Flanagan played the bugle.

Captain Elizabeth Wells from the 41^st Battalion of the Royal NSW Regiment delivered the commemoration address.

"The Anzac spirit is synonymous with mateship and tenacity," Ms Wells said.

"On a day like today, we have the time and space to reflect on what Anzac Day is."