ANZAC Day, 25th April, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates those who have served, contributed and suffered in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
At dawn on 25 April 1915 a contingent of Australian and New Zealand Soldiers (ANZAC) landed on Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula and it was planned that they, and other Allied troops would put Turkey, who had joined Germany against the Allies, out of World War I. However, the Turks were unable to evict the Allies and the Allies were unable to overcome the Turkish defences.
It was with this landing that there began to emerge the tradition of the ANZAC, with the ideals of mateship and sacrifice that distinguish and unite all Australians and New Zealanders irrespective of their origins.
Each year on Anzac Day the Australian Government holds commemorative services at Gallipoli in Turkey and Villers-Bretonneux in France where thousands of people join together to pay tribute to and remember those who have served, and currently serve. There are also thousands of commemorative ceremonies all around Australia and New Zealand to remember the sacrifice of the ANZACs.
Here is a list of the major Dawn Services taking place in major cities across Australia on this day of remembrance:
Brisbane
Brisbane’s largest Dawn Service begins at 4.28am at the Shrine of Remembrance, Anzac Square. It is recommended you arrive before 4am to get a good vantage point of the service. Please note that temporary road closures and changed parking conditions will be in operation from Wednesday 24 April to Thursday 25 April 2019 for the Anzac Day Dawn Service and Anzac Day Parade.
Can’t make it to the Brisbane Dawn Service? Click here for a list of alternative Dawn Services across Queensland.
Canberra
The Dawn Service will be held at the Australian War Memorial on Thursday the 25th April, from 5:30am to 6am and the Commemorative Address will be delivered by Corporal Mark Donaldson VC.
Melbourne
Come together to remember the Australian men and women who served and sacrificed in the name of peace, and those who continue to do so at the Shrine of Remembrance for a 6am Dawn Service. Plan your journey on public transport for an arrival time of between 4am – 5am at the Shrine.
Can’t make it to the Melbourne Dawn Service? Click here to see a list of alternative Dawn Services across Victoria’s RSL Sub-Branches.
Sydney
The Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place will host the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and will commence at 4:30am on Thursday the 25th April. The Dawn Service will include a catafalque contingent, an Ode of Remembrance, Last Post bugle call, a minute’s silence, a Reveille played on a bugle and the laying of wreaths.
Can’t make it to the Sydney Dawn Service? Click here for a list of alternative Dawn Services across New South Wales.
We Will Remember Them
Lest We Forget
