While some services around Australia were held virtually, crowds of up to 100 were permitted to attend COVID-safe services at war memorials in New South Wales (where outdoor public gatherings are still limited to 30 people).

About 60 people attended the service at the Cessnock war memorial, a larger turnout than most recent years (with the exception of 2018, which was the 100^th anniversary of the Armistice).

Cessnock RSL Sub-branch president Max Lewis said he was "very humbled" by the number of people in attendance, adding that it could possibly be because Anzac Day services were cancelled due to the pandemic.

The crowd observed one minute's silence at 11am, the time the guns fell silent on the battlefields on November 11, 1918.

Mr Lewis reflected on the impact of the loss of life on Australia after World War I, which started just 14 years after Federation, and ended with 62,000 Australians killed in battle.

"It was a traumatising time for the Australian people, to lose so many lives in a fledgling country," he said.

"Remembrance Day shows the fighting spirit of Australia."

First held in 1919 on the first anniversary of the Armistice, Remembrance Day pays tribute to those who died in the Great War, and the further 60,000 Australians who have lost their lives in all conflicts since.

A new addition to this year's Cessnock service was the placement of more than 300 crocheted poppies around the war memorial, which were made by an affiliate member of the RSL sub-branch.

Another special feature at the service was the appearance of a 1943 White Scout Car, owned by local military enthusiast Peter McNeill.

Services were also held at Branxton, Kurri Kurri and Kearsley, with the latter including the unveiling of two plaques commemorating the service of Warrant Officer Arthur Francis CSC OAM and Corporal Henry Wearing.

Watch the Kearsley service in the video below.

READ MORE: Voice of Real Australia: A moment to remember, wherever you are