ANZAC Day Services

For over a century Australians have served in conflict and peace around the world, protecting values of freedom and democracy.

Our national spirit of remembrance has found a home on Anzac Day which marks that brave and fateful moment in 1915, when 16,000 Australian troops landed at Gallipoli. That spirit was reinforced on the Western Front and the battles of subsequent conflicts such as World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. While national commemorations will be held on 18 August, our involvement in the Vietnam War is a vitally important chapter that helped grow our ANZAC spirit and national identity: from battles such as Long Tan to the humanitarian missions which evacuated Vietnamese orphans (Operation Babylift) after the fall of Saigon.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War where, like Vietnam, Australian troops fought to stop the spread of totalitarian aggression throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Their sacrifice is why Australia has the freedoms we all enjoy today; why we have our sovereignty.

Many words are associated with Australians at war and on peacekeeping missions: bravery, camaraderie, mateship, service, loyalty, honour, heroes and heroines. But there is one common word – one goal – that brings them all together: peace.

This Anzac Day we remember and give thanks for the service of all those who have fought for our freedoms; and we give thanks for all those serving our country today.

To learn more about the Anzacs, please visit www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au.

Below are the main Anzac Day services in Fairfax on 25 April 2023. For a full list of services across the broader Sunshine Coast, go to www.rslqld.org/whats-on/anzac-day