Bathurst youth mayor Gabrielle Boshier speaks at Anzac Day service, encourages community to uphold Anzac values

Ms Boshier, a student at Scots All Saints College and the Bathurst youth mayor, said mateship is the core of Anzac values.

"These extraordinary men and women signed up for adventure, a sense of duty and obligation and a profound commitment to their country. They fought for our country, our flag, our people and their families," she said.

"But as noble as these ideals are, their commitment in combat, raw courage and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds was driven largely by those closest to them - their mates.

"Mateship is at the heart of what we refer as Anzac values, as well as loyalty, courage, endurance and sacrifice.

"The Anzacs were a community based on mateship, equality, tolerance and a fair go for all. They did not care where a person came from, their religion or the colour of their skin, only that they did their job well."

Reading through the history of World War I, several images become clear to Ms Boshier about the characteristics of the people who served - their resilience, selflessness and perseverance.

"They looked after each other and would never think of leaving their comrade behind," she said.

"They also possessed an enormous duty to do their best for their country. It is here that we need to remember the spirit of the Anzacs continues to live on the courageous men and woman of the Second World War, Boer War, the Korean War, the Borneo Confrontation, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War in Iraq, the men and women who currently serve in the Australian Defence Force in Afghanistan, peacekeeping missions for the United Nations and soldiers providing humanitarian assistance.

"These extraordinary men and women signed up for adventure, a sense of duty and obligation and a profound commitment to their country. They fought for our country, our flag, our people and their families.

"The greatest gift from the Anzacs, and more than 100,000 servicemen and women, who lost their lives since, is our freedom and the opportunities that we are fortunate to experience in Australia and New Zealand."