Commemorating Anzac Day 2023
Final preparations are now underway for 2023 Anzac Day ceremonies across Australia and around the world.
The Australian War Memorial will once again host the national Dawn Service, which will be telecast live on ABC TV and streamed via Facebook for those who are unable to attend.
If you are looking to attend a service in your local community, the RSL, other ex-service organisations and state and territory governments organise Anzac Day services throughout the country. You can find out about local ceremonies by getting in touch with your local RSL sub-branch or visiting their website.
A number of Australian War Cemeteries and Gardens of Remembrance hold Anzac Day services. Please check the DVA website for up-to-date information as it becomes available.
While Anzac Day is a time for public commemorations, it is also an opportunity for private reflection when Australians, whether they attend a community commemoration or not, pause and reflect on the contributions service men and women have made for more than a century since the First World War.
If you are planning a small commemorative service, or choosing to commemorate Anzac Day at home, DVA’s digital kitbag of printable materials can help you plan your commemorations. The kitbag includes speeches, orders of service, commemorative music playlists, craft activities and more. To download these resources, visit the Anzac Portal.
International services
Around the world, Anzac Day commemorations will take place where Australians have served, or continue to serve today.
In 2023, DVA-led services will take place in Gallipoli, Türkiye and Villers-Bretonneux, France.
Both Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux hold special meaning for Australians. Our diggers fought and died in both locations during the First World War, and were integral in the forging of the Anzac traditions that are embraced and carried on today by the Australian Defence Force.
Services have been held to commemorate Anzac Day at Gallipoli from as early as 1923 (pictured). This year, the Dawn Service will take place at Anzac Cove on Gallipoli, followed by a service at the Lone Pine memorial. The Dawn Service in France will take place at the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux, followed by an afternoon service at the Australian ‘Digger’ Memorial at Bullecourt.
Anyone planning to attend either of these two services must register for a free attendance pass. Passes are available from the Anzac Day services ticketing website at commemorations.teg.com.au. The international Dawn Services will also be broadcast live on the ABC on Anzac Day and streamed live on DVA’s Facebook page.
Every year, the Australian Government works with local authorities to also hold solemn Anzac Day services at significant sites where Australians fought and died in the Second World War: the Bomana War Cemetery, and Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, and Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia. Please consult the DVA website for important information about participating in these services.
More information about Anzac Day overseas services is available on the DVA website.
Photo caption: Gallipoli, Türkiye, 25 April 1923. Buglers sounding the Last Post as the firing party loads during an Anzac Day service at Anzac Cove. AWM H12949