Media release — Thousands gather to remember this Anzac Day

Across the country and around the world, Australians have attended Anzac Day Commemorative Services to pay tribute to our service men and women.

On Anzac Day, Australians remember the generations of service personnel who have endured wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and remember those who have died.

While Gallipoli was a defeat, Australians displayed great courage, endurance, initiative and mateship — characteristics and values that are still displayed by our service men and women today.

Thousands of people attended services locally and globally today as a sign of respect to our defence personnel and to reflect on their service and sacrifice.

Estimated attendance at Anzac Day domestic and overseas commemorative services

  • 35,000 Australian War Memorial Anzac Day Dawn Service, ACT, Australia
  • 1,434 Anzac Day Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Turkey
  • 956 Lone Pine Service, Gallipoli, Turkey
  • 1,905 Anzac Day Service, Villers-Bretonneux, France
  • 1,040 Anzac Day Service, Hellfire Pass, Thailand
  • 330 Anzac Day Service, Sandakan, Malaysia
  • 933 Anzac Day Service, Isurava, Papua New Guinea
  • 2,500-3,000 Anzac Day Service, Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery, Papua New Guinea

Note to media on reporting

Anzac Day can be a deeply emotional time for Australia’s veterans and their families and some may find this time of year difficult.

As you cover stories and run programs about Australia’s military history and its effect on Australians who have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) requests you include contact details for specialised counselling services and resources for veterans where appropriate.

  • Open Arms – Veterans Families Counselling Service (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website for more information.

Resources

  • Further information about Anzac Day and the Anzac Centenary can be found on the Anzac Centenary website.
  • Australians are invited to share how they mark Anzac Day on Facebook or on Twitter with #AnzacDay

Media enquiries

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6466

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