ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day at Upwey Belgrave RSL

Anzac Day is our day of national commemoration.

Michael Coe and Ross Jonson are returning to create our beloved and renowned ANZAC DAY event for 2024.

They both have experience in arts and entertainment industries and are avid supporters of the RSL and veteran's care.

Michael and Ross have been responsible for some memorable ANZAC events at Upwey Belgrave RSL in the pre-covid era, and will bring back the full Dawn and mid-morning services with sound, lighting and the solemnity that the day deserves.

Please join us

Site Map

Entrance via the gates near the front door only.
Coffee vans onsite and serving from 5am. Coffee van in will be set up in the top of the car park
Optus Screen, a fantastic large viewing screen streaming the services live into the carpark to allow for more patrons to attend
Accepting Cash and Card for food and beverages at the main bar, BBQ and Can Bar 1. Can Bar 2 & 3 are cord only
Service will be on the stage
Broadcast live on 3MDR

Carpark will be closed

Seek alternate parking

A day where Service and community stands together, united, and pay respect to all that have served and continue to do so.

The Dawn Service provides an opportunity for quiet reflection in the peaceful moments before dawn.

06:00: Dawn Service

The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony, with limited seating available exclusively for mobility-impaired visitors.

For those that can't attend a dawn service, we will be broadcasting this special commemoration LIVE via 3MDR

A Gunfire breakfast of Egg and Bacon sandwich is available after the dawn service.

09:45: Services March through Upwey Main Street

Join us this Anzac Day for the Veterans' March, returning to the RSL Sub Branch. The Veterans' March will commence from IGA carpark at 9:45 am, followed by the Anzac Day address.

10:00: Main Service at the Sub Branch

The Anzac Day guest speaker will be Mr David Bassett MBE. A sergeant RAF photographer of over 30 years, with global deployments. Proceedings will conclude with the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia.

Morning Tea available after the main service for veterans and their immediate families

11:30: Live Music

Jason Vorherr

12:00: BBQ Lunch Available

Enjoy a traditional Aussie barbie with sausages and hamburgers. (vegetarian options available)

13:30 to 15:00: Traditional Two up

"Come in Spinner" join us for Two up on the cenotaph

15:00: Live Music

Geoff Edkins with Bec Sian & David Brimacombe

The Collingwood v Essendon match will be on the TV in the Opal Room

Running Rabbit Military Museum will be open

Cash withdrawal will be available from inside the Bistro

Main Bar, BBQ, Can Bar 1 - will accept cash and card

Can Bar 2 and Can Bar 3 - card only

ANZAC Day, a great day to get involved.

If you have time available on ANZAC Day we would love assistance.

It takes a great many people to pull this day together.

Even 1 hour of your time would be appreciated.

Volunteer and Donate Your Time

RSL: Veterans Assistance

RSL Victoria is here to provide assistance and support to past and present service personnel and their families.

The ability to provide this supports comes from donations, fundraising and membership funds.

Support including:

Relief from Financial Hardship

Crisis Accommodation

Combating Social Isolation

Veteran Engagement Programs

Employment Pathways and Transition

Advocacy for DVA Compensation

Household repairs and maintenance

Donate Today

Buy a Membership Today

What is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

What does ANZAC stand for?

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as Anzacs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.

Why is this day special to Australians?

When war broke out in 1914 Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world. When Britain declared war in August 1914 Australia was automatically placed on the side of the Commonwealth. In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.

The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign. Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and 25 April soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.

Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy. What became known as the “Anzac legend” became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.

Details from the Australia War Memorial. For more information click here

The Anzac Day Tradition

Customs and Traditions

Commemorative ceremonies, such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, share many customs and traditions. Explore the origins and significance of these customs and traditions. Learn More

The Ode of Remembrance

The Ode of Remembrance is a poem that is commonly recited at Anzac Day services to commemorate wartime sacrifice. In collaboration with the Australian War Memorial, SBS has recorded translations of the Ode of Remembrance in 45 languages.

Listen in your language

The Wearing of Medals

War Medals may be worn only by the persons upon whom they were conferred and in no case does the right to wear war medals or their ribbons devolve upon a widow, parent, son or relative when the recipient is dead. Modifications of the above rule are permitted in connection with Remembrance and ANZAC Day ceremonies when relatives who desire to avail themselves on those days only, of the distinction of wearing the decoration and medals of deceased relatives, may do so ON THE RIGHT BREAST.

War medals (with certain exceptions) are worn on the left breast of the coat or in a corresponding place on the dress, as the case may be. War medals are worn to show the Sovereign’s head. War medals (or Campaign medals) are worn in the order of the dates of Campaigns for which they have been conferred, the first being obtained being farthest from the left shoulder. It is a Federal offence to wear medals and/or decorations for which you are not entitled.