As ANZAC Day approaches, various communities across Australia are preparing to honor the sacrifices of service personnel with a series of commemorative events. This year, the RSL & Services Clubs Association (RSL & SCA) has refreshed its Respect the Day campaign, adopting the powerful theme: "Their Spirit Lives on in You." This initiative, originally launched by Bathurst RSL, aims to educate younger Australians and migrants about the significance of ANZAC Day, emphasizing respect and understanding of its true meaning.
Brad Smith from RSL & SCA highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent message for ANZAC Day. He stated, "A unified message strengthens awareness and understanding of ANZAC Day’s importance. When clubs, media, and the community all share the same themes – Their Spirit Lives on in You – it creates consistency and reinforces the values behind the day." This approach seeks to ensure that ANZAC Day is recognized as a solemn occasion rather than merely a public holiday.
In Coledale, RSL president Melissa Ellery shared her personal connection to ANZAC Day, recalling her childhood memories of the local commemorations. "I lived on the same street as the RSL, and my first real memory of this town was waking up to the sound of the band playing outside my window as they marched down the street," she reminisced. This year, the Coledale RSL will uphold 75-year-old traditions with a dawn service, followed by a free breakfast barbecue and a day of Two-Up. Ellery noted a significant increase in attendance at their ANZAC Day events, attributing it to a heightened sense of reality regarding current global issues.
Smith acknowledged a “noticeable shift in attitude” among younger Australians towards ANZAC Day, attributing this change to enhanced education and community engagement. He remarked, "This change is likely due to increased education, stronger community engagement, and campaigns like Respect the Day, which highlight respectful ways to commemorate." Clubs play a pivotal role in setting expectations for behavior on this significant day.
Meanwhile, the Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club and The Surf Club Mooloolaba are set to host an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at 5 AM on April 25, 2025, at Mooloolaba Beach. This deeply moving tribute will honor the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. As dawn breaks, boat crews will silently paddle out to sea to lay wreaths of native Australian flowers, raising their oars to the haunting echoes of the Last Post.
A lone horseman from the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, Woombye Troop, will gallop along Mooloolaba Beach, honoring the memory of the late ANZAC Day horse, Jack, with a horse named Bill, ridden by Rusty Perry. The ceremony will feature retired Defence Force veterans leading the ANZAC Day Ode, the Sunshine Coast Grammar School Bel Canto Choir, and a didgeridoo solo by Peter Tilney. Additionally, a Māori Haka and the New Zealand national anthem will be performed, with MSLSC Nippers laying 12 wreaths to represent past campaigns, wars, peacekeeping missions, and nurses.
MSLSC president Trent Robinson expressed pride in the event's growth over the years, stating, "This year marks the 16th anniversary of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Mooloolaba Beach – an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together in remembrance and gratitude for the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedom." He noted that what began as a small gathering has now grown into a deeply moving tribute, attended by around 10,000 people each year.
For those unable to attend the service in person, 91.1 Hot FM radio will broadcast the ceremony live across the Sunshine Coast. Veterans wishing to march are invited to assemble in the southern club car park on Club Lane at 4:55 AM.
In Bundaberg, the Regional Council has announced several road closures related to ANZAC Day 2025. Key closures include Bourbong Street between Maryborough and Tantitha Street from 4 AM to 10:30 AM, and Barolin Street from Bourbong Street to Woongarra Street during the same time frame. Other roads will also be affected to ensure smooth proceedings for the commemorative events.
On the same day, the Western Downs community will come together to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. Events will be hosted at 14 locations throughout the region, organized by the Western Downs Regional Council in collaboration with local RSL sub-branches and community organizations. Mayor Andrew Smith emphasized the importance of this day for reflection and gratitude toward those who have served.
"Our community is proud of our region, and the events this ANZAC Day will allow the community to connect and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have and currently serve to defend this region’s traditional Australian values," Smith stated. Residents are encouraged to participate by placing wreaths or poppies at any of the services.
Lastly, the Nambour RSL Sub Branch invites all veterans, ex-service members, and community members to attend the ANZAC Day commemoration services at Quota Memorial Park. The dawn service will begin with the assembly of the Sub Branch and ex-service members at 5:15 AM, followed by a march to the Walls of Remembrance at 5:28 AM. Breakfast will be available for those who have booked at the RSL Club.
As the ANZAC Day commemorations approach, communities across Australia are coming together to honor the legacy of those who have served, ensuring that the spirit of the ANZACs lives on in the hearts of all Australians.
