What’s open, what’s closed, dawn service times, schedules and more
Updated ,first published
Loud, sustained boos were heard from some crowd members during the Acknowledgment of Country ceremony by Uncle Ray Minniecon at Sydney’s Anzac Day dawn service at Martin Place.
Last year, a pre-dawn Welcome to Country speech in Melbourne was marred by boos from members of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network.
On Saturday morning, Bec Freedom, organizer of the anti-immigration march for Australia, posted on Telegram: “Sydney booed”, followed by a greeting emoji.
Australia March is closely linked to the National Socialist Network, which claims to have disbanded to avoid being banned as a hate group.
The grand dawn ceremony in Sydney, organized by RSL NSW, started at 4.20am at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. This is a solemn opportunity for quiet reflection, including the Last Message and the Ode of Remembrance.
NSW Premier Chris Minns read the poem Hi By Sydney Elliott Napier.
Thousands of people are expected to pay tribute to Australia’s veteran community at Anzac Day ceremonies and events across NSW and Australia this long weekend.
Major official commemorations are held at the Martin Place Cenotaph and near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
NSW will have a public holiday on Monday, April 27, as it falls on the April 25 weekend this year. The Monday bank holiday is part of a two-year trial that will also include Anzac Day falling on a Sunday in 2027.
The dawn service is followed by a march along Elizabeth Street at 9am, followed by a memorial service at the Pool of Remembrance near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park at 12.30pm.
A sunset ceremony will be held at Martin Place Cenotaph at 17:00.
Other social events are also held Statewide by RSL sub-branches.
In Parramatta, the march gathered at the town hall at 4am and progressed towards Prince Alfred Square before the dawn service at 4.30am.
In Penrith, the dawn service gathered outside the Penrith RSL club before a silent march to Memory Park. The RSL club will serve breakfast following the service.
The Newcastle dawn ceremony began at Camp Shortland on Nobbys Beach at 5am, followed by a commemoration ceremony at 9.15am, which included a march down Perkins Street to Civic Park and an RAAF flyover at the Civic Park Cenotaph at 10am.
The Wollongong dawn service was held at the MacCabe Park Cenotaph in Church Street, also at 5am, followed by a march down Crown Street at 10am.
How to get around the city on Anzac Day?
Major roads will be closed on Anzac Day and public transport will be encouraged. Travel is free for veterans and their families who are currently serving ADF personnel. Eligibility applies to individuals who are in uniform, wear medals, or have proof of military service.
Additional services will run to Martin Place, but light rail services will not run between the Town Hall and Circular Quay until 6.15am and will stop again between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. City buses can pass through different routes and stops.
What is open and closed on Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a restricted trading day. Major retailers, including supermarkets and department stores, will be closed all day. Small shops, pharmacies, newsagents, service stations, cafes, takeaways and licensed venues can be opened. Monday’s public holiday is not a restricted trading day.
Where can I play two-up?
Chances are if a pub is open on Anzac Day you can play a game for two there. This is one of the three days of the year when the First World War Diggers game is allowed to be played. Venues do not need a permit, but they must ensure that the game is played at their venue. traditional format. Liquor and Gambling NSW inspectors will check.
Do double disadvantages apply?
Yes. Double penalties are already in effect and will continue throughout the weekend, including Monday. Random breath testing and mobile drug testing will also be conducted across the state. You can expect increased police presence on major highways and regional routes due to expected increases in traffic over the long weekend.
Start your day with a digest of the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.
