Commemorating Anzac Day 2026
Anzac Day is one of the most significant days of commemoration for Australians.
Marking the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings during the First World War, Anzac Day provides an opportunity for Australians to honour the service and sacrifice of more than 2 million Australians who have served our nation in times of war and peace. It is also a time to honour the more than 103,000 personnel who have lost their lives during or as a result of their service.
As preparations unfold both across the country and internationally, this year’s commemorations invite Australians of all ages to remember and reflect upon the selfless service of our current and former service personnel .
The Australian War Memorial will anchor the nation’s Dawn Service. State and territory governments, RSL Sub‑branches, ex‑service and community organisations will continue their longstanding role in hosting marches, ceremonies and wreath‑laying events across the country, ensuring everyone has a place to gather in remembrance.
Commemorative services overseas will continue to connect Australians to the places where the Anzac story was forged. Dawn Services at Gallipoli in Türkiye and at Villers‑Bretonneux in France remain deeply significant to the families of those who served and to Australians seeking to understand the origins of the Anzac legend. Anyone planning to attend the services in France or Türkiye must register for a free attendance pass by visiting commemorations.teg.com.au. These Dawn Services will also be broadcast live by the ABC on Anzac Day.
Services in Malaysia, Thailand and Papua New Guinea honour those who served in later conflicts, highlighting the broad span of Australian military history and the generations who lived it. Those who will be participating in Dawn Services at Sandakan in Malaysia and Hellfire Pass in Thailand are encouraged to register their attendance for free on the DVA website: search for “Anzac Day - Asia Pacific”. Registration assists organisers to plan ahead, provide updates and helps ensure a safe, respectful and smooth experience for attendees.
To help support commemorations, the DVA digital kitbag is a key tool for planning a commemorative service. With speeches, sample orders of service, commemorative music lists, craft activities, and reflective materials, the kitbag supports teachers, families and community leaders in planning and understanding the elements of a commemorative service. You can download the kitbag from DVA’s Anzac Portal.
Educational resources are also available through the Anzac Portal – including posters, learning modules, personal stories and interactive activities. They help to nurture curiosity and historical understanding in communities and classrooms nationwide.
These resources are included in the annual Anzac Day commemorative packs that are distributed to ex-service organisations, aged care facilities, schools and community groups, offering posters, learning materials and firsthand accounts that highlight the experiences of those who served across different eras.
This year, as always, Australians will stand together across the generations to honour courage, service and sacrifice, ensuring that the Anzac legacy remains a living, shared part of our national story.