Anzac Day 2020 - Private Commemorations

Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and is often a time for private reflection.

Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Australian Government has cancelled overseas Anzac Day ceremonies for 2020 on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, near Villers-Bretonneux in France, including the Australian service at the 'Digger' Memorial, Bullecourt, Hellfire Pass in Thailand, Sandakan in Malaysia and Isurava in Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourages all Australians to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and you are encouraged to continue to mark this important national commemorative date by holding your own private commemorations.

Australians are encouraged to privately commemorate Anzac Day, in-line with the latest health advice, and to watch the service at the Australian War Memorial. While the Service is not open to public attendance, the Service will be nationally broadcast, to enable the public to watch from their own homes. There will also be a range of other commemorative activities that will be broadcast throughout the day.

However you choose to mark Anzac Day, please do so in-line with the latest health advice and in a way that is solemn and dignified.