Thousands attend Anzac services across Queensland

Robyn Wuth | April 25, 2023

Tens of thousands have gathered at dawn services across Queensland to honour those who have donned the khaki in service to their country.

Packed shoulder to shoulder, crowds surrounded the Shrine of Remembrance in the heart of Brisbane to lay wreaths and pay their respects to service people, past and present. 

As the clouds lifted, people standing three deep lined the city streets, waving Australian flags as the Anzac Day march wound through the heart of the city. 

Veterans marched, while some were wheeled and others who were too frail hitched a ride in army jeeps – ribbons and medals proudly pinned to their chests – as the community paid tribute for their service.

Service men and women were joined by police officers, nurses alongside Scouts and Guides to ensure the Anzac legend lives on. 

Queensland’s capital hosted the state’s main Anzac Day dawn gatherings, as 15,000 gathered for the service before a march that later wound through the city. 

It was only one of more than 440 services held in towns and cities where the Last Post was sounded to signal the final rest of the fallen. 

Governor Jeannette Young and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk laid wreaths during the Brisbane ceremony.

“We acknowledge the immense bravery and dedication of those first soldiers at Gallipoli, those who fought in the muddy trenches on the Western Front and all the courageous men and women who have served our country in conflict,” Dr Young told the crowd. 

This year marks the 108th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli in World War I and honours the 1.5 million personnel who have served Australia in conflicts, war and peacekeeping operations.

RSL Queensland president Major General Stephen Day said it was vital for all Queenslanders to support, recognise and take part and keep the true Anzac spirit alive. 

“Anzac Day is a day where we remember and commemorate all of those who have sacrificed so much to secure the freedoms and way of life that we, as Australians, are so privileged to have,” Maj Gen Day told AAP. 

“There’s no greater way to honour the selfless contribution of our past and present service personnel than by participating in your local Anzac Day commemorations and keeping the spirit of our Anzacs alive.”

He said it was not only a time to remember those who fell at Gallipoli but commemorate those who continued to serve.

Among them is decorated army veteran Cherisa Pearce, who remains determined to continue the country’s tradition of courage, humour and mateship.

“For me, it’s an opportunity to stand side by side with my fellow veterans, family and friends, to remember those who served and sacrificed for our nation,” Ms Pearce said.

On the Gold Coast, more than 20,000 braved rain and wind for the state’s biggest dawn service. 

Poppy-red light-beamed Elephant Rock as the sun rose and the ashes of veterans who have died in the past year were scattered at sea.

To the west, another 1500 turned out for a more intimate service at Mudgeeraba. 

“It rained most of the night, and everyone for wet wearing for the service to start, but not a drop fell during the service itself,” Mudgeeraba master of ceremonies Darryl Barrington said. 

“Like it was meant to be.” 

While the crowns returned to the RSL for the gunfire breakfast and a quick round of two-up, planning was still under way for a sunset service – believed to be one of the only afternoon Anzac services in the country.