World War II veteran Jack Beaven returned to the village and was welcomed home by many residents.

In Kootingal, Mr Beaven’s father ran a blacksmith shop where the community hall now stands.

Mr Beaven served through New Guinea, then returned to Kootingal where he was known for his fresh produce.

He now lives in Port Macquarie, but returned for the centenary of the Anzac Day landings.

Mr Beaven was an aircraft technician during WWII in the Royal Australian Air Force.

He said he served with General MacArthur on his march north and repaired airfields at each place they arrived.

“In Aitape, my mate standing next to me got hit by a Japanese sniper and was knocked down,” he said.

The man didn’t die and was soon back to work.

His unit received a citation from General MacArthur for its service.

Mr Beaven paid his respects to his mates who never returned and those he’s lost since, and laid a wreath at the Kootingal service.