The commemoration of ANZAC Day holds a special place in the hearts of Australians and New Zealanders alike. It is a time to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our nation, many of whom gave their lives in the ultimate act of service. Each year, on April 25, we pause to remember the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915 during the First World War, a moment that shaped the ANZAC legacy.
Honouring tradition in our community
Once again, we look forward to coming together as a community for our local ANZAC Day remembrance service. Children proudly march with their schools, paying tribute and learning the importance of this enduring tradition. Across Lake Macquarie, large crowds gather at dawn and morning services to reflect, remember, and show their respect to those who came before us and those who serve today.
Keeping the ANZAC spirit strong
For some, the day begins at a dawn service; for others, it may include travelling to Gallipoli itself. Later, many gather at local RSL clubs to reconnect with friends, share stories, and take part in a game of Two-Up, a long-standing ANZAC tradition.
So, how will you commemorate ANZAC Day this year?
March: 9.40 am, High Street, Belmont
Service: 10 am, Cullen Park
March: 4.50 am, CNR Macquarie & Main Road, Cardiff
Service: 5.10 am
March: N/A
Service: 6 am, Catherine Hill Bay Cenotaph
March: N/A
Service: 11 am, Club Charlestown
Service: 6 am, Neville Thompson Oval, Dora Creek
Breakfast: 6:45 am Gunfire Breakfast, Workers Club
March: 10:10 am, Gardiner Street, Dora Creek
Service: Following the march, Neville Thompson Oval
March: 5:45 am, Banfield Lane near the water tower
Service: Following the march, Dudley War Memorial
March: 5.45 am, Piriwal Street near Bato Street
Service: Following the march, Pelican RSL Memorial Park
March: 12:45 pm, Rathmines Bowling Club
Service: Following the march, Catalina War Memorial
Service: 11 am, Redhead War Memorial
March: 6 am, Speers Point Park Rotunda
Service: Following the march, on the stage
Service: 6 am, Swansea RSL Memorial Cenotaph
March: 11 am, Pacific Highway, Swansea Roundabout Northbound (near McDonald’s)
Service: Following the march, Swansea RSL Memorial Cenotaph
Service: 8 am, Anzac Park, Teralba
Service: 6am, Goffet Park, Toronto
March: 10:45 am, The Boulevarde, Toronto Diggers Club
Service: Following the march, Goffet Park, Toronto
March: 10 am, Bennett Park, Valentine
Service: Following the march, Bennett Park, Valentine
Service: 5.30 am, Cenotaph at Wangi Wangi RSL
Breakfast: 6.30 am Gunfire Breakfast, Wangi RSL
March: 9:30 am, Kent Place
Military vehicles procession: 9.45 am, Puna Rd & Dobell Drive, includes march participants
Service: 10:30 am at the Cenotaph at Wangi RSL
March: 9:45 am, CNR of Withers and Carrington Streets
Service: Following the march, Soldiers Park Memorial
Ways to commemorate from home
If you’re unable to attend a service this year, there are still meaningful ways you can take part and honour the spirit of ANZAC Day.
Music for Mateship
On ANZAC Day, musicians across the country will play The Last Post and Reveille from their driveways, creating a powerful shared moment of reflection.
If you have a musician at home, visit the Music for Mateship website to access sheet music for a range of instruments, along with a letter you can share with neighbours to let them know your plans. Be ready just before 6 am on Friday, the 25th, to take part.
Not musical? You can still join in by downloading and listening to The Last Post from home.
Watch a live service
You can still experience the solemnity of the day by tuning into live broadcasts on ABC Australia.
- 4:30 am – Sydney Dawn Service, live from the Cenotaph at Martin Place
- 9:00 am – Sydney ANZAC Day March
- 12:30 pm – Gallipoli Dawn Service
- 1:30 pm – Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service
These broadcasts allow you to pause, reflect, and be part of a wider community, wherever you are.
Create a poppy at home
Making a poppy is a simple yet meaningful way to show your respect. It’s also a wonderful activity to do with children while sharing the significance of ANZAC Day.
Poppies can be made using a variety of materials, such as egg cartons, paper, pipe cleaners, felt, crochet, or even red cupcake cases. Once complete, place your poppy in a window as a visible tribute.
It’s a small gesture that carries a powerful message of remembrance, and a chance to pass on the importance of honouring those who have served.
Remember through scent
Rosemary has long been a symbol of remembrance, and on ANZAC Day, it carries special meaning. If you have rosemary growing in your garden, consider placing cuttings at your front door as a simple tribute.
You might display a single stem, create a small wreath, or even tie sprigs to your letterbox so neighbours can catch its scent as they pass by. Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, and since ancient times, it has been associated with memory. This makes it a powerful, sensory way to pause and reflect.
Support those who served
ANZAC Day is also a time to show support for veterans and those currently serving. One meaningful way to do this is to donate to the ANZAC Appeal, which helps provide vital assistance to current and former service members.
You might also take a moment to reach out, send a message to someone serving, or simply call a veteran you know to check in. Small gestures of connection and care can mean a great deal, especially on a day like this.
The Ode of Remembrance – Laurence Binyon
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
