Commemorating Anzac Day

On Thursday 25 April we mark 109 years since the World War I Gallipoli landings that gave rise to Anzac Day.

On that day in 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps began an 8-month-long campaign that eventually ended in a stalemate.

At the end of that year, the Anzac forces were evacuated, and news of their casualties and hardships had a profound impact on Australians at home.

The date 25 April became the day on which Australians remember the sacrifice of those who had died in the war.

Local service members 

Anzac Day recognises the sacrifices of all Australian service members killed in military operations, including a significant number of locals that served during World War I.

• From City of Camberwell, 1603 service members served overseas, of whom 197 didn’t return. (Source: The history of Camberwell by JA Allan, 1954)
• From City of Hawthorn, 2,266 residents enlisted and 241 died in service. (Source: A history of Hawthorn by Victorial Peel, Deborah Zion and Jane Yule, 1993)
• From City of Kew, 917 residents served and 163 didn’t return. (Source: Annie's war by Lucy Bracey, 2019)

Commemorating Anzac Day

Boroondara war memorials 

War memorials commemorating those who died in service to their country are found across Boroondara, including:

• Beckett Park Soldiers Memorial
• Hawthorn War Memorial in St James Park
• Kew War Memorial at Kew Junction
• Surrey Gardens Cross
• Surrey Gardens Shrine.

Details of service members from the Kew War Memorial can also be found on a new online database developed by the Rotary Club of Kew. Find out more on the Kew Remembers website. 

Dawn services this Anzac Day

Anzac Day events are a special way to remember and commemorate the sacrifice of Australian service members. Below are details of local events in which you can participate.

Special event – The Art of Sacrifice presentation

Enjoy an evening with portrait artist George Petrou OAM to discuss his book, ‘The Art of Sacrifice’. This stunning book features portraits, stories and historical images that tell the stories of Anzacs’ courage and sacrifice. Click the Event Listing below for more information and to register for this free event.