About 100 people filled St Matthew’s Church because the Albury Art Gallery redevelopment meant the usual location at the cenotaph in QEII Square behind the church was inaccessible.

Archdeacon Peter MacLeod-Miller reckons the indoor ceremony is “here to stay”.

“It gives the church purpose and provides shelter from the weather,” he said.

“The church also provides security and accessibility, especially for the elderly.”

Members of the public, as well as invited guests, helped create a Field of Remembrance with wooden crosses in the 2/23rd Battalion chapel.

White crosses represent the unknown warrior, while red is for army and two shades of blue signify navy and the air force.

Albury and District War Widows’ Guild president Val Evans was the first to place a cross in a sandpit laid inside the church and was followed by Albury mayor Kevin Mack and Albury RSL sub-branch president Graham Docksey.

Mrs Evans has enjoyed having the ceremony inside over the past two years.

“You haven’t got any worry about the weather and it’s more comfortable,” she said.

The “field” will be open until sunset on Anzac Day. A closing service will be held on April 26 at 11.30am.