Tens of thousands expected to turn out for tomorrow’s Anzac Day events in Canberra

Preparations have been in full swing at the Australian War Memorial today with tens of thousands of people expected to join in Anzac Day commemorations tomorrow and pay tribute to those who have served and died in war or operational service.

Fifteen floristry students from the Canberra Institute of Technology have been among the many people working behind-the-scenes, busily preparing around 500 buttonholes with Red Flanders Poppy and fresh rosemary for veterans and VIPs attending tomorrow’s services.

Tomorrow’s events are all open to the public, with Corporal Mark Donaldson VC to deliver this year’s commemorative address at the Dawn Service and Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove to deliver the address at the National Ceremony.

Returning to this year’s commemoration will be the community bands, including the Canberra City Band, which were casualties last year of a decision by the RSL to trial a new audio system broadcasting the music of the Royal Military College Band down Anzac Parade.

Transport Canberra and the Australian War Memorial will be providing free bus services to and from the Dawn Service and the National Ceremony. For more information click here.

Below are some of the other key details for those interested in attending tomorrow’s commemorations.

Dawn Service

The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony, therefore no seating is allocated. Visitors are welcome to occupy the seating in place for the National Ceremony or stand on the Parade Ground. Visitors will be required to vacate this seating at the conclusion of the Dawn Service. There will be large viewing screens located on the eastern and western sides of the Parade Ground to assist members of the public to safely view the service in the grounds.

Dawn Service Schedule

4.30 am – Three 15 minute excerpts will be read from letters and diaries of Australians who experienced war firsthand in all its facets
5.15 am – All will be quiet before the Dawn Service commences in darkness
5.30 am – Dawn Service commences
6.00 am – Dawn Service concludes
6.15 am – Commemorative Area opens
8.00 am – Commemorative Area closes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony

The ceremony is hosted by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Australia. It will be held after the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Aboriginal Memorial plaque on the side of Mount Ainslie. The ceremony will commence at 6.30 am and is open to all members of the public.

National Ceremony Schedule

9.00 am – Ticket Holders admitted to seating
10.20 am – All unfilled seating opened to general public
10.30 am – National Ceremony commences
10.55 am – Veterans’ March steps off
11.55 am – Veterans’ March concludes
12.45 pm – National Ceremony concludes

Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and/or picnic rugs and view the ceremony from the grounds of the Memorial. Large viewing screens broadcasting the ceremony will be in place to assist with visibility.

Road Closures

Road closures will be in effect from 8 pm on the evening of Wednesday 24 April until 3 pm on Thursday 25 April. Arrangements include:

• traffic from Limestone Avenue diverts onto Treloar Crescent
• traffic from Fairbairn Avenue diverts onto Treloar Crescent
• Anzac Parade closed from Constitution Avenue including the Blamey Crescent and Currong Street intersection.

Parking

There is limited parking on-site for mobility impaired visitors only. Vehicles displaying a government-issued disability parking permit will be granted access. Parking is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to car parks is via Treloar Crescent.

Last Post Ceremony

The daily Last Post Ceremony will commence at 4.45 pm in the Commemorative Area, with all members of the public welcome to attend.

For more information about the commemorations at the Australian War Memorial tomorrow please click here.