LEST WE FORGET: The 2012 Anzac Day Dawn Service. Photo: Jeremy Bannister.
Sergeant Kelly McNaughton with daughters Ashleigh and Emily after this morning's Anzac Day Dawn Service. Photo: Jeremy Bannister.
THOUSANDS of people have attended Anzac Day commemorations in the Ballarat region, with moving ceremonies and marches held across the morning.
Despite single digit temperatures and harsh winds, a large crowd attended the dawn service at the Sturt Street Cenotaph with veterans, community leaders and many children taking part.
With a silent Catafalque Party standing guard, prayers and the Last Post echoed around the city centre before hundreds observed a minute's silence for Australia's fallen soldiers.
Crosses filled the Sturt Street reserve, in memory of local men and women who gave their lives in overseas conflict.
Click here for photos from this morning's event
Now 97 years after the assault on the Gallipoli coastline with gave birth to the ANZAC spirit, community leaders in Ballarat and surrounding towns reported larger than ever crowds observing the solemn day, with many children and young people taking part in community marches.
Wreaths were laid at war memorials around the district, with Ballarat councillors, members of parliament and leaders of the Ballarat RSL sub-branch taking part.
The Anzac Project: In the line of fire
Later in the morning, hundreds enjoyed a hot meal as part of the annual Gunfire Breakfast at the newly opened RSL headquarters at the George Hotel.
Memorial ceremonies and marches were also held in Sebastopol, Buninyong, Creswick and Clunes.
Little Emerton Hooper, pictured here with his dad Daniel, lost his little Sailor Bear after this photo at the Sturt Street Dawn Service, was taken. Help him find his bear: 53201254
