Key Takeaways
- Flying Officer Kbora Ali, a former Afghan refugee, delivered an emotional Dawn Service address at the Australian War Memorial, highlighting her family’s perilous boat journey to Australia in 2001 and urging Australians to uphold Anzac values of peace and sacrifice.
- The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will provide comprehensive, multi‑platform coverage of Anzac Day services, including radio, television, streaming, and online guides to local events.
- In Melbourne, thousands gathered peacefully at the Shrine of Remembrance’s Eternal Flame, with an estimated 50,000 attendees; this year’s service placed special focus on Australian peacekeeping missions in the Middle East.
- Preparations in Canberra showed the Australian War Memorial ready for the 5:30 am AEST Dawn Service, with photographers capturing the quiet anticipation before the ceremony began.
- Anzac Day commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, honouring over 100,000 Australian service personnel who have died in wars and conflicts since then.
Flying Officer Kbora Ali’s Dawn Service Address
Flying Officer Kbora Ali of the Royal Australian Air Force delivered the Dawn Service address at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 25 April 2026. She spoke candidly about her personal history, recounting how, as a child, she and her family fled Afghanistan aboard a small wooden boat across the Indian Ocean in 2001, ultimately being rescued by the Australian Navy. Ali described standing before the memorial as “a proud daughter, a former immigrant, a former soldier,” and expressed her determination to give back to the nation that offered her refuge. Her speech linked her experience to the enduring Anzac spirit, urging Australians to uphold the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, especially amid today’s global uncertainties. She concluded with a heartfelt reminder to “preserve peace… Lest we forget,” setting a reflective tone for the ensuing ceremony.
ABC’s Comprehensive Anzac Day Coverage
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced extensive coverage of Anzac Day events across its platforms. Audiences can follow the day’s proceedings on ABC Radio, ABC listen, ABC TV, and ABC iview, as well as through online streams. To assist viewers in locating local commemorations, the ABC provided a handy link detailing where, when, and how each service and march will be broadcast. This multi‑channel approach ensures that Australians nationwide—whether in capital cities or remote communities—can participate in the day’s remembrance, reinforcing the collective nature of Anzac commemorations.
Melbourne’s Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance
In Melbourne, a respectful crowd gathered around the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Dawn Service. ABC photographer Danielle Bonica noted the subdued whispers and solemn atmosphere as thousands made their way to the memorial. Organisers anticipated approximately 50,000 participants, underscoring the enduring public engagement with Anzac Day. This year’s service placed a particular emphasis on honouring Australian personnel who have served in peacekeeping operations throughout the Middle East, reflecting contemporary contributions to global stability alongside historical remembrance.
Canberra’s Preparations at the Australian War Memorial
Earlier in the morning, ABC photographer Matt Roberts captured an image of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra ahead of the Dawn Service. The memorial was poised for the ceremony’s 5:30 am AEST start, with lighting and arrangements in place to accommodate the expected gathering. The photograph conveyed a sense of quiet anticipation, highlighting the memorial’s role as a focal point for national reflection. The image, widely shared via ABC News, served as a visual reminder of the solemnity that underpins the day’s observances.
Understanding Anzac Day: Origins and Significance
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Since that landing, more than 100,000 Australians have lost their lives in wars and conflicts worldwide. The day serves as a heartfelt reminder of those sacrifices and of the enduring values—courage, loyalty, and camaraderie—that have shaped Australian identity. Dawn services, marches, and other ceremonies across the nation provide opportunities for the public to honour veterans and their families, ensuring that the legacy of service and sacrifice remains alive in collective memory.