More than 150 National Servicemen’s Association of Australia members and ex-service personnel from all over Australia converged on Moree over the weekend for the 24th annual Nashos reunion.
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This was the first time Moree had hosted the reunion, traditionally held in Bingara the previous 23 years, and according to all, it was a huge success.
“It exceeded all our expectations,” Moree Plains Shire councillor and RSL sub-branch member John Tramby said.
Nashos members from Sydney, Gosford, Port Macquarie, the Sunshine Coast and throughout the New England North West region attended the reunion which began on Friday evening with an informal gathering.
On Saturday, a large crowd gathered at Moree Services Club as the Nashos and ex-service personnel marched down Albert Street, accompanied by the Australian Army Band from Brisbane.
Moree Town and District Band and Moree Community Choir led the hymns during the service that followed, before the visitors enjoyed a bus tour of the Moree area.
That night, 150 people packed into the Moree Services Club auditorium where they enjoyed a formal dinner and entertainment by Murray Hartin, as well as a fantastic performance by the Moree Caledonian Society Pipes and Drums and Glenmore Dance Group who performed a ceilidh – a Highland sword dance.
The Glenmore Dance Group is a combination of the Moree and Glen Innes Highland dance groups who join together to perform at the annual Celtic Festival in Glen Innes.
The reunion wrapped up with a farewell breakfast at the Services Club on Sunday.
The weekend provided a huge tourism boost for Moree, with many of the visitors staying for the remainder of the week. Some are even staying a fortnight.
With local businesses reaping the rewards, many got on board Tourism Moree’s visitor passport initiative, offering specials and discounts to participating business houses.
“We got tremendous support from business houses,” Cr Tramby said.
“So many wanted to be involved … it was quite humbling.”
Many of the visitors have already re-booked their accommodation for next year’s reunion.
Reunion committee member Margaret Wetzler said a number of participants in this year’s reunion would love to see some of the younger intakes of Nashos at the 2018 event.
Ms Wetzler said the committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the reunion, whether it be a large or small contribution.
“The community have really shown their support and respect to our Nashos and all service personnel,” she said.
“We really appreciate all the community has done.”
The fundraising raffles and auction will be drawn on Anzac Day, while the 200s club will be drawn when all numbers are sold.
More photos and videos from the weekend here.
