A national commemorative service will be held in Canberra on Saturday, 14 February 2026, recognising the 75 years since the beginning of National Service (conscription) in Australia during the Cold War.
This anniversary provides the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifices of Australians who served in the National Service Training Scheme 1951-59 and the National Service Scheme 1965-72, as well as the families who supported them.
WHERE: The Great Hall, Australian Parliament House, Canberra
DATE: Saturday, 14 February 2026
TIME: Media to arrive by 10:00AM. The pre-service program will commence from 10:30AM. The national commemorative service will commence at 11:00AM.
More than 280,000 Australians were conscripted into Australia’s armed services through two National Service schemes between 1951 and 1972. National Service was an integral part of Australia’s defence strategy during the Cold War period. All ‘Nashos’ served in Australia with almost 19,000 deployed to conflicts and operations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea. Tragically, hundreds of national servicemen lost their lives during this period, including more than 200 in Vietnam and many more in Australia.
There will be a designated media area at the service, with clear line of sight to the ceremony.
Please register your attendance with DVA Media by COB 10 February 2026:
02 6289 6466 or media.team@dva.gov.au
The commemorative service will be broadcast live on the ABC and a host broadcast feed of footage will be available.
Further information on the service: 75th anniversary of National Service 1951–72.
For further information about conscription in Australia and in particular, the two national service schemes: National service in Australia from 1911 to 1972 - Anzac Portal.
DVA Media Contact: media.team@dva.gov.au 02 6289 6466
Media note - To arrange interviews in preparation for the anniversary, or to register for the event, contact the DVA Media Team.