Wherever we are, however we can, we will remember them

Queenslanders will commemorate Anzac Day from their lounge rooms, offices, balconies and driveways, participating in small ceremonies at home and taking part in official ceremonies via online streaming.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament today that this Saturday we would honour our fallen heroes, our current serving and those returned in an Anzac Day like no other.

“Anzac Day is steeped in history and tradition and not even a global pandemic will stop us from marking the occasion and honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice to our country,” the Premier said.

“Sadly, COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of a number of annual, commemorative events including the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Square, the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade, the Students’ Anzac Commemoration Ceremony and the Nurses Vigil.

“But just like churchgoers were able to celebrate Easter with live-streamed services, virtual and nationally televised Anzac Day ceremonies will be available to observe by people at home.

“I want to thank RSL Queensland for their Light up the Dawn initiative which encourages Queenslanders to get involved by standing on their driveways at dawn.

“I’ve seen so many people getting involved in making their own candles and making poppies to display on their lawns and sharing it online which is fantastic to see.

“While it might look a little different this year with social distancing restrictions, I believe the Anzac spirit will shine brighter than ever as we light up the dawn together from our driveways at 6am.”

  • 4:28am – The Premier, Governor of Queensland Paul de Jersey, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and RSL State President Tony Ferris will attend a small commemorative service at the Shine of Remembrance.
  • 5:00am on 25 April 2020, there will be a nationally-televised Anzac Day commemorative service from the Australian War Memorial, broadcast on the ABC.
  • 6:00am, the Returned and Services League (RSL) Queensland is encouraging Queenslanders to hold a candle on their balconies or at the end of their driveways, as part of their Light up the Dawn initiative.
  • The Music for Mateship initiative is also encouraging people with musical ability to stand at the end of their driveway, play The Last Post, observe the one-minute silence at 6:00am, and then play the Rouse.

RSL State President Tony Ferris said this Anzac Day will be a very different year but a symbolic year.

“To look out your driveway at 6am in the morning and see people lining the streets, still in social isolation but remembering those who have gone and served this country is something that I don’t think we’ll see for a long time to come,” Mr Ferris said.

To help commemorate Anzac Day from home, the State Library of Queensland has launched a voice activated interactive Commemorate Differently Anzac Stories app, allowing State Library materials to be accessed via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Through voice-activated prompts on the app, Queenslanders can:

  • request a poppy to be placed on their behalf at Anzac Square Memorial Galleryor beside a memorial plaque
  • listen to voices of Queensland war veterans
  • hear a recording of the Last Post, and;
  • observe a virtual one minute silence to commemorate the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said the incredible courage and resilience of Australia’s servicemen and women has long been a source of inspiration, particularly through times of uncertainty and fear.

“Through this Commemorate Differently Anzac Stories initiative, we can experience their stories and remember their irrepressible mateship – how they worked together and looked out for one another,” Minister Enoch said.

“Although this year’s Anzac Day will be virtual, I know Queenslanders will show their true spirit as we remember the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who fought and died for their country.

“And importantly, the technology for Anzac Stories was developed right here in Queensland, with Coolum Beach based software start-up Alkira a recipient of the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas fund.”

/Public Release. View in full here.