Ways to remember and reflect this Anzac Day
This Saturday 25 April marks Anzac Day — a time to remember and honour those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action involving Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. On 25 April 1915, troops landed at Gallipoli, beginning a campaign that lasted eight months and resulted in the loss of more than 8000 Australian lives.
Today, Anzac Day remains one of Australia’s most significant national days of remembrance – offering a chance to pause, reflect, and recognise the service and sacrifice of past and present members of the Australian Defence Force.
Ways to commemorate Anzac Day
If you’d like to take part, there are many meaningful ways to mark the day whether you attend a service or take a quiet moment to reflect in your own way.
Attend a Dawn Service
Dawn marks the time of the Gallipoli landing, and thousands gather across the country each year in remembrance.
- Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance will host its Dawn Service 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 is broadcast live on ABC TV and iView.
Prefer to reflect from home? You can take part in ‘Light up the dawn’ by holding a candle at 6am in your driveway, balcony or lounge room.
Later in the day, veteran marches take place in cities and towns across Australia – a powerful tradition to witness if you’re nearby.
Unable to make it to a ceremony? Here are simple ways to reflect
Even a small moment can be meaningful. You might choose to:
- Pause for a minute of silence
- Watch part of the national service livestream
- Learn more about Anzac history or personal stories
- Have a conversation with family or friends about what the day means
Other ways to honour the day
If you’re not attending a service, there are still plenty of ways to pay tribute:
Donate to support veterans
Every donation helps provide practical support and services to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families. The RSL Anzac Appeal raises vital funds through the sale of commemorative items like badges and pens — you’ll often spot volunteers outside shopping centres and train stations in the lead-up to Anzac Day.
Bake or share Anzac biscuits
These biscuits were sent to soldiers during World War I because they kept well over long periods. If you’re curious, baking a batch is a simple way to connect with this part of Australian history – even better shared with friends or housemates.
Wear a sprig of rosemary
Rosemary has long been associated with memory and remembrance. It grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula, where the ANZACs landed in 1915, and wearing it on Anzac Day serves as a living symbol to honour those who served and died. Pin it to your lapel or place it somewhere special at home.
However you choose to spend the day, taking a moment to reflect – in a way that feels right to you – is what matters most.
Remember: Deakin is closed on Monday 27 April
Deakin will be closed on Monday 27 April following Anzac Day, except for the GIFT City campus, which will remain open.
Library hours may vary across campuses — you can check the most up-to-date opening hours on the Library website.
The university will reopen as normal on Tuesday 28 April.
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