New South Wales communities will come together today to commemorate Anzac Day, as we pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice and service of our veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, and their families.
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings, where members of the Australianand New Zealand Army Corps served together with courage, resilience and mateship inextraordinary circumstances.
In the 111 years since, generations of Australians have served with distinction in conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world, helping protect Australia’s freedoms, supporting international stability and contributing to peace and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris attended the NSW Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place at 4:30 am this morning, the approximate time 111 years ago it is believed the first ANZACs waded ashore at Gallipoli.
The Service was also attended by representatives of the Commonwealth and Ex-Service Organisations, veterans’ groups and a large crowd of spectators who lined Martin Place to pay tribute.
The Anzac Day March starts at 9 am on Elizabeth Street with more than 8,000 current serving members and veterans – including a small group who served in the Second World War – expected to march past the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
The March will finish with the Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial from 12:30pm with anyone in the city encouraged to attend.
The Coloured Digger March will again recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel. Now in its 20th year, speeches will be given at 1pm at the Redfern Community Centre. followed by the march setting off at 1:50 pm.
A solemn sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 5pm will close the official events for the Sydney CBD.
With tens of thousands of people expected to attend commemorations in the city centre, it is recommended to use public transport for all Anzac Day travel.
Free travel is available for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families on the Day, with additional early morning services running into the city.
To access free travel, commuters will need to: be in uniform: display service medals; or, have a WarWidows Gold Card or a letter of accreditation from a branch of the RSL or other recognised ex-service organisation.
There will be a highly visible police presence throughout the city and the community is asked tohonour our veterans in a safe and respectful manner.
The Community War Memorials Fund, managed by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, also opens today. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.govawheritage/community-war-memorials-fund/
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Anzac Day is the most important day on our national calendar, commemorated across the country.”One of the best things people can do to show solidarity for those in the armed services is attend adawn service or visit their RSL on Anzac Day.
“Today communities across our state come together with gratitude to pause and remember thesacrifice and service that allows us the freedoms we are afforded today.
“Lest we forget.”
NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
*From Gallipoli to modern peacekeeping operations, the brave men and women of our Defence Forcehave served and given sacrifice to our nation.
*Anzac Day is our shared opportunity to remember and honour that service and sacrifice whilesupporting our veterans and their families and ensure their experiences are never forgotten.
*l encourage everyone in NSW who is able to attend a commemorative service or march in your community today and to spend time with family and friends, to pause and pay your respects.
*Today also sees the opening of the 2026/27 Community War Memorials Fund with grants of up to $15,000 available, lt is vitally important that we protect our memorials and I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for any restoration work that is needed.”
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