From a small ‘island’ in the middle of Victoria Street, Manning River Times editor Toni Bell stood with phone in hand to live stream the Taree Anzac Day parade on Facebook.
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The response from the community was strong, with about 6000 views a day after the stream. What was more notable was the international audience the stream received.
Steven Rose watched the parade at Charleston Harbour in the USA. Being in South Carolina, Steven would have enjoyed the parade while eating dinner on Tuesday night. Valerie Sutherland also watched the parade from an undisclosed American location.
The parade was also enjoyed in Queensland, where Sharlene Alexander watched her granddaughters march with Chatham Public School from her home in Logan Village.
The stream gave many locals the chance to watch the parade without having to brave the rain.
”Well done Taree, great turnout even though the weather didn’t look great. Feeling proud seeing this from my home town where my grandpa used to march proud also. Lest We Forget. Thanks Manning River Times,” wrote Jo Watson.
“What an amazing turnout Taree. Well done everyone,” wrote Teala Suters.
“Great to see my daughter and grandson walking,” wrote Paula Anne Booth.
“Great to see so many school children marching,” wrote Janette Cooley Dan.
“Thanks for filming. I was unable to attend the march this year. So wonderful to see it now. Lest we forget our wonderful men and women,” wrote Gabrielle Carle.
The wonder of modern technology was on display for Gay David Embury.
“A beautiful celebration in Taree for our beautiful young men and women who gave there lives for us. Loved this video as I am in hospital away at present. We are always there otherwise.”
On another Times Facebook post, Hannah Jensen shared her thoughts on the Anzac Day service.
“Highlight was watching the beautiful elderly woman laying the wreath on behalf of Aboriginal people - seeing her wheeled to the foot of the clock tower, to then choose to stand up to lay the wreath, greatest moment! Best we've been to in the Manning.”
The live stream of the Wingham Anzac Day march also drew viewers in Honk Kong and the USA. It also attracted viewers from as far as Tweed Heads and Hobart.
