anzac day FAQs

Why do we commemorate ANZAC Day?

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ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is a commemoration of the anniversary of the landing of some 20,000 Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25 April 1915. This was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

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The pride that the men who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula took in the ANZAC name endures to this day, representing the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship.

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Australians recognise 25 April as a day of national remembrance, which takes two forms. Commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn – the time of the original landing, and then later in the day, former servicemen and servicewomen meet to take part in marches.

Why do people wear Rosemary on ANZAC Day?

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It is traditional on ANZAC Day to wear a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula. We use Poppies as a symbol on Remembrance Day, 11 November.

What are the flag and commemorative protocols for ANZAC Day services?

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Flags are required to be flown at half-mast till noon on ANZAC Day, then raised to the masthead until sunset. It is appropriate to fly the flags of New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other allied nations alongside the national flag. It is also considered appropriate to wave small Australian flags during marches.

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When flown with the flags of other sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate staffs and in equal position, no flag being flown higher than any other and all being the same size if possible.

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International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another in time of peace. The Australian National Flag should, however, be hoisted first and lowered last unless the number of flags permits their being hoisted and lowered simultaneously.

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For more information, visit Defence Ceremonial Protocols and the ANZAC Portal.

What local and regional events are being held by RSL Sub-Branches?

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There are commemorative ANZAC Day events at many locations around Western Australia. You can also contact your local Sub-Branch for ANZAC Day activities in your area.

What events are happening in Perth CBD?

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There are five events in the Perth CBD:

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1.   All-Abilities Sunset Service – Kings Park Flame of Remembrance.

2.   Dawn Service – Kings Park State War Memorial.  

3.   Gunfire Breakfast – Government House Gardens.

4.   ANZAC Day Parade – Saint Georges Terrace, Perth.

5.   Family & Mateship Event – Langley Park.

How can I participate in the Perth CBD march?

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There are two ways you can participate in the ANZAC Day March:

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1. March with a Unit Association or Group
Contact your relevant U&K group to register to march with the group.

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2. March under a relevant conflict group
March under the conflict, war, or peacekeeping operation in which you served.

What happens if there is bad weather? Will the events still go ahead?

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Unless the weather is considered dangerous to participants and spectators, the events will go ahead whatever the forecast.

Can I wear a combination of medals such as military and public service honour medals?

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Yes. The term medals covers:

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The Member of the Order of Australia and the Medal of the Order of Australia and badges of the 4th and 5th classes of orders and decorations which are worn as medals as well as for campaigns and long service.

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A veteran may wear their own medals on the left and those of a relative on the right. For more information, view the list of Australian honours.

Can I march as next of kin?

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Yes. Your local RSL Sub-Branch or Ex-Service Organisation may be able to provide guidance regarding what group to march with. Then you need to register with a Unit and Kindred Group or with RSL WA. If you wish to wear family medals, then they should be worn on your right-hand side.

Am I allowed to wear family medals?

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Yes. If you wish to wear family medals, then they should be worn on your right-hand side.

Can children march on ANZAC Day?

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Yes. RSL WA invites veterans marching on ANZAC Day to include their children to better impart the Spirit of ANZAC Day to future generations. Children do not need to register, but their veteran (parent/guardian) MUST be registered with a Unit and Kindred Group or RSL WA.

How do I know where to line up for the Perth CBD march?

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The form up area is where you wait to join the march in the correct order.  Your group's form up location will be listed on the map distributed prior to the day. On the day Parade Marshalls will be present as well as an information booth on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. You will need to arrive before the March commences to form up.

Can I lay a wreath at Kings Park?

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Yes, but only after the formal service has concluded, from 7 am. Wreath laying during the Dawn Service is by invitation only.

Can I bring food or drinks to the Perth events?

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Yes. You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed in public places. There will be a licensed area at Langley Park for alcoholic beverages.

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Please help us by taking your rubbish home with you or using the bins provided.

Where can I purchase food or drinks at the Perth events?

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Frasers (Café) at Kings Park.

Gunfire Breakfast at Government House Gardens.

ANZAC Day Family & Mateship Event at Langley Park.

Are there any prohibited items at the Perth events?

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Dangerous or hazardous items

Sun shelters and tents

Alcohol

Glassware

Portable BBQs

Pets (service and support dogs are allowed)

Can I take photos?

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Yes, but please be respectful at all times. We would love to see your photos, if you wish to share your images please email to marketing@rslwa.org.au or tag @RSLWA on social media –  #rslwa #ANZACspirit.

What amenities are available at the Perth events?

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Toilets, St John First Aid Stations, and Constable Care will be available throughout the Perth CBD.

Will there be road closures in Perth?

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Yes. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect on 25 April around the Perth CBD for the safety of patrons, emergency access and event organisers. A map of road closures will be available on the Main Roads website closer to the event.

What is the best way of getting to the Perth events?

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It is recommended that you take public transport to ANZAC Day events. For further information on routes and public transport schedules, please visit transperth.wa.gov.au or call 13 6213.  Hearing or speech impaired? Call via NRS 133 677 and ask for 13 62 13.

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Cyclists are welcome to ride their bikes to the events but please note there will not be any event bike racks, so please remember your lock and key as well as your cycle helmet!

Is there car parking available at the Perth events?

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There will be significant road closures and parking restrictions at Kings Park. It is strongly recommended that visitors use public transport and plan your trip with the Transperth JourneyPlanner.

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Is there accessible ACROD parking available for the Perth events?

Visit the City of Perth website or parking app to locate accessible parking bays in the Perth CBD. A limited amount of ACROD parking is available at Kings Park – Please complete an ACROD Parking Request or contact events@rslwa.org.au