Be it to remember their defence comrades, their relatives or countrymen, thousands of people have packed into the centre of Sydney for NSW’s longest-running dawn service.

Governor Margaret Beazley, Premier Chris Minns and representatives of international allies – and a former foe – were among those to lay wreaths at the cenotaph in Martin Place before daylight on Tuesday.

First held unofficially in 1927 by a handful of returned soldiers and an elderly woman, the service is the forerunner to services run by 320 RSL sub-branches across the state.

Glenda Rixon wore the medals of her late father Henry “Harry” Rixon, a Korean War infantryman, and was touched that the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement was noted in the Martin Place service.

“Usually they don’t say anything – it’s like it’s the forgotten war, ” she told AAP.

“I’m really proud of my father, he passed away eight years ago. It’s a special day, we used to always watch him march.”

He didn’t speak much about his 13 months abroad but she recalled the warmth and mutual understanding that flowed through Anzac Day reunions.

“He’d say ‘we were like brothers’ … they had to rely on each other.”

The First Field Ambulance Association’s Lieutenant Colonel Victor Tsang said he used the time to remember the sacrifice of all Australians.

“It’s important for me, because as a migrant, we also like to contribute ourselves to the country,” the 32-year veteran told AAP.

“During the Gallipoli campaign, more than 30 per cent of the soldiers were actually migrants.”

They were among thousands seated or standing in near-darkness from George Street to Castlereagh Street as hymns, anthems and poems continued the 96-year tradition around the cenotaph.

Diplomats from Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada and Turkey were among those to lay wreaths, while a hymn in Maori by the Sydney Maori Choir marked New Zealand’s sacrifice.

Australia’s fleet commander, Rear Admiral Chris Smith, reminded attendees of the integral role the navy played in the defence force since Gallipoli.

It was natural the story of soldiers was most easily brought to life, given that was how the vast majority of Australians had served, he said. But the navy and air force had fought alongside “our army brethren” in nearly every battle.

That symbiotic relationship would only bind tighter in future, he said.

It came as the NSW government said it would consult with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to erect a new memorial dedicated to the recent Middle East conflicts.

“Throughout this consultation, we want to hear what is working, what else needs to be done, and know of any gaps in support or programs – everything is on the table when it comes to discussing how we can support and recognise our Middle East veterans,” Veterans Minister David Harris said.

Later on Tuesday, more than 7000 serving and former defence force members, including World War II veterans, will march from Martin Place to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

Aircraft flyovers in coastal regions will be conducted by the RAAF and Wollongong-based Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum, with the museum taking a Spitfire Mk IX, Grumman Tracker S-2G, Dakota C-47 to the skies.

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