NSW Anzac Day Commemorations Scheduled for April 25–27 with Public Holiday and Operational Adjustments
Introduction
Thousands of people are expected to take part in ceremonies and events across New South Wales and Australia during the long weekend, to honor the nation''s veterans. This year, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, so there will be a public holiday on Monday, April 27 as part of a two-year trial.
Main Body
The main official ceremonies will take place at the Martin Place Cenotaph and near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park in Sydney. The major dawn service, organized by RSL NSW, is scheduled to start at 4:20 AM at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Organizers describe it as a time for quiet reflection, featuring the playing of The Last Post and the reading of The Ode of Remembrance. Public viewing areas have been set up outside Challis House in Martin Place, on George Street at Martin Place, and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. Accessible viewing areas for people with limited mobility are located on the southern side of the Cenotaph and in a screened area between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets. These viewing areas will stay open until they reach capacity, and bag checks will take place. After the dawn service, a march along Elizabeth Street will start at 9:00 AM, leading to a commemoration service at the Pool of Remembrance near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park at 12:30 PM. A sunset service is scheduled at the Martin Place Cenotaph at 5:00 PM. Additional community events are being held by RSL sub-branches across the state. In Parramatta, a march will gather at the town hall at 4:00 AM, then go to Prince Alfred Square before a dawn service at 4:30 AM. In Penrith, the dawn service will gather outside the Penrith RSL club, followed by a silent march to Memory Park, and the club will provide breakfast afterwards. A Newcastle dawn service will start at 5:00 AM at Camp Shortland on Nobbys Beach, followed by a march from Perkins Street to Civic Park at 9:15 AM and a commemoration service at Civic Park Cenotaph at 10:00 AM, which will include a flyover by the Royal Australian Air Force. A Wollongong dawn service, also at 5:00 AM, will be held at the MacCabe Park Cenotaph on Church Street, followed by a march on Crown Street at 10:00 AM. Major roads will be closed on Anzac Day, and people are encouraged to use public transport. Veterans, current Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families can travel for free if they are in uniform, wearing medals, or showing proof of military service. Extra services will run to Martin Place; however, light rail will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay until 6:15 AM, and there will be another pause between 12:30 and 1:30 PM. City bus routes and stops may change. Anzac Day is a restricted trading day. Major retailers, such as supermarkets and department stores, will be closed all day. Small shops, pharmacies, newsagents, service stations, cafes, takeaway food shops, and licensed venues are allowed to open. The Monday public holiday is not a restricted trading day. The game of two-up, which was traditionally played by World War I soldiers, is allowed on Anzac Day. It is one of only three days each year when it is permitted. Venues do not need a permit, but they must make sure the game is played in its traditional format. Inspectors from Liquor & Gaming NSW will carry out checks. Double demerit points are already in place and will continue throughout the weekend, including Monday. Random breath testing and mobile drug testing will take place across the state. Police will be more visible on major highways and regional roads because traffic is expected to increase.
Conclusion
The Anzac Day commemorations in New South Wales will include dawn services, marches, and ceremonies at multiple locations. These events will be supported by road closures, public transport changes, and restricted trading. The public holiday on Monday, April 27 is part of a trial. Police will enforce traffic and gaming rules more strictly during the long weekend.