How you can remember and reflect this Anzac Day
This coming Thursday 25 April is Anzac Day, a day of national significance in Australia. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I.
On 25 April 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – known as ‘Anzacs’ – formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. More than 8000 Australian soldiers were killed.
Anzac Day has since become a day on which Australians reflect on the sacrifice of everyone who has served our country in war, and to recognise all current and former members of our Defence Force.
Ways to commemorate Anzac Day
Dawn marks the time of the original Gallipoli landing, so many people attend commemorative Dawn Services across the nation:
- The Dawn Service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance will begin at 5.30am. No tickets or bookings are needed.
- If you’re not in Melbourne, you can attend an RSL service in your local community.
- A National Ceremony is held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and broadcast live across Australia on ABC TV and iView.
- You can also ‘Light up the dawn’ by holding a candle in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room at 6am.
Later in the day, former service members take part in marches through the country’s capital cities and regional centres.
You can also mark the day by:
- Donating to our veterans or buying a commemorative pin. Donate to the RSL online via anzacappeal.com.au or buy a badge/pen in person from your friendly local RSL representatives – you’ll see them set up around town or sitting by your local supermarket.
- Donning a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary is often worn on Anzac Day – it’s significant because it grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and is believed to help aid memory.
- Baking or enjoying some Anzac biscuits. Friends and families of Anzacs would send these delicious treats (originally known as ‘Soldiers’ biscuits) to the frontline as they travelled well and retained their high nutritional value for long periods without refrigeration.
Remember: Deakin is closed on Anzac Day
Deakin is closed on Thursday 25 April for the Anzac Day public holiday, although the library is open at the following times:
| Campus library | Opening hours | Staffed hours |
|---|---|---|
| Burwood | 8am–9pm | 8am–9pm |
| Waurn Ponds | 7am–12am | 1pm–5pm |
| Waterfront | 1pm–5pm | 1pm–5pm |
| Warrnambool | 11am–5pm | Unstaffed |
| Library chat or phone service | 8am–9pm | 8am–9pm |
The University will reopen as normal on Friday 26 April.