Recent DVA Media Releases
| May 2022 | |
| 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea | 04/05/2022 |
| April 2022 | 25/04/2022 |
| Australians Gather Around the World to Commemorate Anzac Day | 25/04/2022 |
| Honouring the Service and Sacrifice of Those Who Defend Our Nation | 24/04/2022 |
| $400,000 to Help Mark Centenary of Legacy Support | 20/04/2022 |
| Call for Media Registrations – Anzac Day International Commemorations | 12/04/2022 |
| Remembering the Fallen in the Battle of Bullecourt | 11/04/2022 |
| Independent Tribunal to Reconsider Medallic Recognition | |
| for Rifle Company Butterworth | 07/04/2022 |
| Dr Brendan Nelson, AO, Appointed to Australian War Memorial Council | 05/04/2022 |
| March 2022 | |
| Budget 2022 – 23 Delivers Record Investment in Defence and Supporting Our Veterans | 29/03/2022 |
| New Defence Housing HQ Officially Opens in Gungahlin | 28/03/2022 |
| The First Battle of Gaza: 105 Years on | 26/03/2022 |
| $13.7 Million to Support Our Defence Kids | 13/03/2022 |
| International Anzac Day Services to Recommence in 2022 | 12/03/2022 |
| Anzac Day Resources for Our Schools, Ex-Service Organisations and Community Groups | 10/03/2022 |
| February 2022 | |
| Nominations Open for 2022 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards | 28/02/2022 |
| Remembering HMAS Perth: 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Sunda Strait | 27/02/2022 |
To see any of the above media releases visit the DVA Media Centre.
Australians Gather Around the World to Commemorate Anzac Day
25 April 2022
Thousands have gathered in Australia and around the world to commemorate Anzac Day and pay tribute to those who have served this nation in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.This year marked the return of international public commemorations for the first time since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.
Anzac Day services have been held in Australia since 1916, with the day formally gazetted as a day of commemoration in every state and territory during the 1920s. Anzac Day pilgrimages to places of significance to Australians who have served is also a long-held tradition, with services held on Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, as early as 1923.
Estimated attendance at Anzac Day domestic and overseas commemorative services
| Australian War Memorial Anzac Day Dawn Service, ACT, Australia | 18,200 people |
| Anzac Day Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Turkey | 563 people |
| Lone Pine Service, Gallipoli, Turkey | 187 people |
| Anzac Day Dawn Service, Villers-Bretonneux, France | 665 people |
| Anzac Day Service, Hellfire Pass, Thailand | 450 people |
| Anzac Day Service, Sandakan, Malaysia | 85 people *Unfortunately the Service was not open for public attendance this year in accordance with local COVID restrictions |
| Anzac Day Service, Port Moresby (Bomana War Cemetery), Papua New Guinea | 2,000 people |
Honouring the Service and Sacrifice of Those Who Defend Our Nation
The Hon Andrew Gee, MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel Federal Member for Calare
24 April 2022
Tomorrow, on Anzac Day, our nation will pause to thank all current and former men and women of our Defence force, and to remember the sacrifice of all those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee encouraged all Australians to take time out to reflect on our national day of commemoration.“Anzac Day is sacred to Australians, as a time when we honour our nation’s defence personnel who have served across all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations,” Minister Gee said.“We must never forget the more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives for our nation, and all those who have been physically and emotionally wounded, as well as their families.
“It is a day to acknowledge and commemorate the enormous contribution that all of these brave and dedicated Australians have made.Through their service, courage and commitment, they have ensured Australia remains a free and democratic nation. For that we are eternally grateful.The men and women who’ve served our nation through the generations have never asked for much in return. In the end it comes down to one thing – that we never forget what they have done for us.That sacred duty of remembrance currently rests with our generation, and it is a commitment that we will in turn pass onto the next.
“There are many ways to mark Anzac Day, and it is very heartening to see local services returning this year now that COVID restrictions have eased. It will be the first Anzac Day since 2019 that many veterans and families can again come together with their communities for commemorations. This year also sees the return of overseas services, including at Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux.
“No matter how you mark Anzac Day this year – at a Dawn service, at your own home, at your local RSL, or watching the national service on television – I encourage all Australians to pause and reflect on all those who have served, and those who continue to serve. As a grateful nation, we do this, for what they have done and all they have given for us.
“Anzac Day can be a challenging time for veterans and for the families of those who have served, so I would also encourage Australians to reach out to the veterans and their families in your community to ensure they have the support they need.”
Anyone needing support at this time should reach out to Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046, or visit the Open Arms website.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister Gee’s office: 0459 966 944
DVA Media: 02 6289 6466
Office of the Hon. Andrew Gee, Canberra ACT. For more information on the meaning of Anzac Day, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Anzac Portal.
More information on international Anzac Day services can be found on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.