The Australian War Memorial before the development works began. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The traditional mid-morning National Anzac Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial has been axed this year due to the ongoing redevelopment works, including changes to the Parade Ground.
But there will be an Anzac Day address to the nation, which will be televised and live-streamed from the Memorial’s Commemorative Area, including to large screens for public viewing on the Memorial’s western grounds.
The Memorial has released details of this year’s 80th-anniversary commemorations, including the Dawn Service, RSL (ACT Branch) Veterans’ March at 9:30 am and the Last Post ceremony at 4:45 pm.
The Dawn Service, standing only, and Veterans’ March will take place in the Sculpture Garden on the western grounds of the Memorial precinct.
Members of the public will be able to lay a tribute or wreath at the Stone of Remembrance in the Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard after the Dawn Service or throughout the day.
Director Matt Anderson said the Memorial was looking forward to welcoming thousands to Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April, the 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and urged people who cannot attend to tune into the ABC’s national broadcast.
“We encourage all Australians to take the time to reflect upon the service and sacrifice made by Australians in all wars and on operations. This legacy was created by those who landed at Gallipoli and fought on behalf of our nation and for our values during the First World War,” he said.
Mr Anderson said the Memorial was again supporting the RSL’s Light up the Dawn initiative, where people can come together in their driveway or home to remember as part of the Dawn Service.
It was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. Numbers at last year’s Memorial events were capped because of COVID-19.
In conjunction with Transport ACT, the Memorial will be running free shuttle buses from various locations to the commemorations, which the ABC will broadcast online and live across Australia.
The Memorial building and galleries will be closed to the public on the morning of Anzac Day and will reopen at noon. All visitors at this time will require a free timed ticket to enter the Memorial galleries and are advised to book their free ticket in advance.
The Memorial says that free tickets to the Last Post ceremony are limited and will be in high demand.
To learn more about transport, parking and road closures, visit the Memorial website.
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