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Churches across the Hawkesbury will once again unite this ANZAC Day in a powerful show of remembrance, with bells set to ring out at noon in honour of those who served.
The initiative, now in its third year, has grown into a grassroots tradition bringing together congregations from across the region to mark the national day of commemoration in a shared and symbolic way.
The midday bell ringing is designed as a moment for reflection, inviting the broader community to pause, regardless of faith and acknowledge the sacrifice and service of Australian and New Zealand forces.
Organisers say the idea began with a small group of local churches and has steadily expanded, reflecting the Hawkesbury’s strong sense of history and community connection.
“This is about creating a moment where everyone can stop and reflect together,” a local organiser said.
A tradition grounded in history
The event draws on some of the Hawkesbury’s most historic churches, including:
- St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Windsor
- St Matthew’s Catholic Church
- Ebenezer Uniting Church
- Windsor Uniting Church
- St David’s Uniting Church in Kurrajong Heights
Among them are some of the oldest church buildings in Australia, with Ebenezer Church widely recognised as the nation’s oldest surviving church.
The connection between these historic sites and ANZAC Day adds a deeper layer of meaning, linking past and present in a shared act of remembrance.
A community-wide moment
Organisers emphasise that the initiative is inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds to take part.
“ANZAC Day is a time when Australians of all faiths or none come together to reflect,” they said.
The ringing of bells at noon complements traditional dawn services and marches, offering an additional opportunity for those who may not attend early morning events to participate in the day’s commemorations.
Growing a local tradition
What began as a local gesture now has the potential to grow beyond the Hawkesbury, with organisers hopeful the idea could inspire similar acts of remembrance in other communities.
For now, the focus remains on building a meaningful, shared experience close to home.
As the bells ring out across Windsor, Ebenezer and surrounding areas this ANZAC Day, they will carry not only a message of remembrance but a reminder of the strength of community in the Hawkesbury.
