Anzac Day in Australia

Why 25 April matters

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On 25 April 1915, troops from the corps landed on the Gallipoli peninsula during the First World War. The campaign lasted eight months, and more than 8,000 Australians died there.[1]

The first Anzac Day commemorations took place in 1916. Over time, the day became a national occasion to remember Australians who died in the First World War and later conflicts, as well as those who served in military and peacekeeping operations.[1]

How Australians mark the day

Dawn services are held across Australia, followed later by marches involving former service personnel in major cities and smaller centres. Ceremonies at war memorials may include wreath-laying, the Last Post and a period of silence; the exact programme varies by place.[1]

The dawn timing is associated with “stand-to”, the military practice of waking soldiers before first light to prepare for a possible attack. Australia’s dawn services developed in several places after the First World War, so there is no single agreed origin for the custom.[1]

Reunions and games of two-up are also part of Anzac Day traditions in some communities. The Australian War Memorial describes the day as a time to reflect on the many meanings of war.[1]

Public holiday and workplace rules

The Fair Work Act 2009 lists 25 April as Anzac Day, a public holiday. Employees are entitled to be absent from work on a public holiday, although an employer may make a reasonable request to work; employees may refuse an unreasonable request or one they have reasonable grounds to refuse.[2][3]

Public holiday declarations and substitutions can also be made under state or territory law, and some awards and agreements allow substitution by agreement. There is no single automatic weekend rule for every Australian jurisdiction, so check the official calendar for the state or territory relevant to your work.[2][4]

Planning around openings

Opening rules depend on location and business type. For example, in New South Wales, Anzac Day is a restricted trading day and most retail shops must close unless exempt; in Queensland, non-exempt shops must also close, while some exempt businesses may trade.[4][5]

Banks, offices, attractions and transport services may follow different arrangements. Check the relevant state or territory guidance and confirm hours or timetables with the business or transport operator before travelling.[3][4][5]