MOREE War Memorial Hall was re-dedicated and officially reopened on Saturday as hundreds of people gathered at the historic building to observe Anzac Day.

Built in the early 1920s and officially opened on April 17, 1923 by Governor of New South Wales, Sir Walter Davidson, the Balo Street showpiece has been lovingly restored to its past glory.

Multi-million-dollar renovations include a new acoustic ceiling, fresh paint, new air-conditioning throughout, levelled stage, refurbished kitchen and bathrooms, as well as accessibility and fire safety improvements.

A state-of-the-art audio-visual system has also been installed as part of the $7 million redevelopment.

On Saturday, returned serviceman Bernard Dawson and Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse stood on the memorial hall’s front steps and proudly cut the ribbon to herald a new era.

“When this was built in the early 1920s, it was hailed a ‘memorial of freedom’ and today we recognise and cherish that freedom,” Cr Pearse said.

The large crowd was then invited inside the hall to commemorate Anzac Day.

“Anzac Day is about service, honour and sacrifice,” Cr Pearse said.

“It is also about legacy and hope. This hall was built 103 years ago in the grim aftermath of the first world war, by a community determined to remember, determined to build a bright future for this town, and willing to work together for what they deemed to be an important cause.

“Today, we acknowledge the profound cost of that service, and are grateful for the freedoms they have secured for us all,” she said.

The magnificent hall, closed for nearly five years while major upgrades were carried out, was re-dedicated by RSL Padre Reuben Birchley.

“The Moree War Memorial Hall was designed and built to honour the Moree and district’s fallen soldiers. Prominently located above the front doors of this hall, carved in stone, are the names of those who died in service for our great nation,” Padre Birchley said.

“The names of all those from Moree and district who served in overseas conflict are listed in the hall’s alcove – a perpetual reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today.”

Guest speakers included State Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan and Federal Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, introduced by master of ceremonies, Michael Andersen.

Mr Andersen told the large crowd they were assembled in the Moree War Memorial Hall to commemorate a special day.

“It was a day when the young men and women of Australia by their deeds and sacrifice, demonstrated to the world at Gallipoli that Australia was truly a nation,” Mr Andersen said.

“The sons and daughters of the Anzacs came forward without question, accepted gladly, and discharged fully their responsibilities during World War II, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.

“On this day, we remember the sacrifice of such men and women for an ideal . . . for a way of life.

“Let us take strength in the knowledge and the hope that our sons and daughters will never forget the examples set by their forefathers,” he said.

“In our everyday life, let us endeavour to carry on those traditions established in past wars and conflicts at such tragic cost.

“We think of every man, woman and child who, in those crucial years, died so that the light of freedom and humanity might continue to shine.

“We nurture, too, the obligation of showing gratitude for the peace we enjoy and the responsibility of ensuring the freedom and liberty so costly won is not lost by our own indifference.

“Let us mourn with pride, but let us also remember with equal pride those who served and still live,” he said.

Mr Andersen also acknowledged the ongoing work of Roger Butler, who could not attend Saturday’s services.

“We thank Roger for his legacy and dedication to the Moree RSL Sub-Branch and Anzac services he has been a part of throughout the years,” he said.

A poem, They March Each Anzac Day, written by Darryl Brady, was read by Moree Christian School student Katie Lee and Moree Secondary College student Isabelle Kelly.

Prayers were delivered by Marley Legg and Lachlan Bowhay from Moree Public School, Josiah Binge and Eli Long from Moree East Public School, and Elsie Sullivan and Grace Carter from St Philomema’s School.

A wreath was laid by Moree RSL Sub-branch president Jeff Biddle as well as representatives from community organisations, emergency services, state and federal government departments, and schools and youth groups.

For the Fallen was read by Ned Dawson and The Ode was read by Bernard Dawson, with Moree Band and Moree Caledonian Pipes and Drums performing.

Bugler Jacqualyn Lillyman played the Last Post at the completion of the service.

Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, paid tribute to servicemen, brothers Charles and Hugh Johnston, and Hugh’s son Eric, father of Kam Wheeler, a leading Moree SES rescuer, trainer and leader who was named 2025 NSW Adult Volunteer of the Year.

“Charles Johnston was awarded the African Star for his service from 1939 to 1945. His younger brother, Hugh, also served during the Second World War, and fought in the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea from 1942 to 1946,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Later, Hugh’s son, Eric, served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972 and was awarded the Vietnam Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge.”

Mr Chaffey also honoured Des Hurst, who passed away earlier this year, aged 99.

“Mr Hurst was a World War 2 Royal Australian Airforce veteran who carried on his service to the Moree community for the rest of his life,” Mr Chaffey said.

“He was a volunteer with the NSW Civil Defence and SES for more than 55 years, and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2001 for his service to the Moree community.

“It is wonderful to see so many people here to pay tribute to the Australians who have given up so much for us to remain a free and democratic country,” Mr Chaffey said.

“I also want to make special mention of those who have been in more recent conflicts, walking the difficult road already walked by so many brave Australians . . . we remember them today, and every day,” he said.