ANZAC Day 2024 in photos
A snapshot of ANZAC Day commemorations in Sydney, including the Dawn Service and ANZAC Day March, and services organised by RSL sub-Branches across NSW.
A pristine autumn morning greeted veterans and current Defence personnel, their families and the general public at ANZAC Day services in Sydney, and these were complemented by services organised by RSL sub-Branches across the state.
Veterans never serve alone; throughout their time in Defence and afterwards, they are supported by family, colleagues and friends – and this spirit of community was evident across all services.
Here’s a snapshot of commemorations.
Dawn Service
A Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place was attended by individuals such as Her Excellency The Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of NSW; and RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge.
CBD March
The much anticipated CBD march flowed down Elizabeth Street later that morning, with families proudly participating.
Commemoration service
The march ended at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, the location for a short but thought-provoking commemoration service.
In his address, Bainbridge praised the fortitude not only of veterans but of those in their close networks.
“To the mothers, fathers, partners and children, your strength and resilience form the backbone of our Defence community. This helps all veterans to know they will never walk alone.”
Bainbridge, who recited The Ode at this service as he also had at the Dawn Service, extended a message of peace.
“We must also acknowledge the opportunity for us to carry our ANZAC legacy forward in a world of turmoil … by fostering a future of peace, respect and understanding.”
And at the conclusion of the service, calls were heard from the crowd for “One more!” from the NSW Police Band; a cheer erupted as the band launched into a final rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
ANZAC Day Cup
Bainbridge later attended the ANZAC Day Cup, a rugby league match between the Sydney Roosters and the St. George Illawarra Dragons held each year on 25 April.
(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Bainbridge recited The Ode and invited the audience to join him in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off, and led Sydney’s biggest two-up ring at half-time. He also presented the trophy for the curtain raiser game between the Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force.
(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Commemorations across the state
RSL sub-Branches also held commemorative services that recognised the sacrifice of veterans past and present, and provided the opportunity to come together in support of veterans.
