Anzac Day 2023: Big crowd at Brisbane City Dawn Service

Veterans have braved wet weather to gather in Brisbane’s Anzac Square alongside family, friends, serving defence members and dignitaries for the Dawn Service.

Queenslanders have gathered in large numbers across the state to mark Anzac Day.

Veterans gathered with family, friends and serving defence personnel in Brisbane’s CBD for the Dawn Service early this morning, braving the rain from as early as 3.30am.

“The weather hasn’t been too kind to us just at the moment but for that, it reinforces to us the respect and dignity that you honour to our veterans,” master of ceremonies Dan Curtis said.

The catafalque party at Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance at the Dawn Service in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

The skies had cleared in time for the main Anzac Day parade through the streets of the CBD at 9.45am, with strong crowds gathering well before the event.

Event organiser and volunteer Derek Moo said he was honoured to play a role.

“It’s something that represents our country and where we’re at now,” Mr Moo said.

Mr Moo said the parade was a way to appreciate and give back to those that fought for our nation.

Attending this morning’s Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembance in Anzac Square, ex-serviceman Clayton Richards said the day meant a lot to him and his family.

RSL Queensland vice-president Wendy Taylor was the first to lay a wreath at the shrine.

Governor Dr Jeannette Young and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also laid wreaths.

Thousands gather at Brisbane’s Shrine of Remembrance at the Dawn Service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Dr Young told the crowd gathered in the dark in Brisbane that similar scenes were playing out in towns and communities across the state, at memorials, shrines and plaques inscribed with names of their fallen.

“Our places, suburbs, and streets carry names from distant battle grounds,” she said.

“The Anzac spirit lives on within us.

“We acknowledge the immense bravery and dedication of those first soldiers at Gallipoli, those who fought in the muddy trenches on the Western Front and all the courageous men and women who have served our country in conflict.”

Eden and Gayle Woollan as thousands gather at the Shrine of Remembrance in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner was at the ceremony, along with Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm, representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll also attended.

After the service, large crowds remained around the Shrine of Remembrance for their own reflection.

Air Force veteran Judie Carter said it was an emotional day.

“It’s a special day, especially because yesterday my son enlisted in the army,” she said.

Army veteran William Redlich said he attended the dawn service every year, honouring his great uncle and grandfather who both served.

“I also remembered my fellow comrades who are no longer with us. It means a lot to me being in the army for 8 years,” Mr Redlich said.

More than 20,000 people have ventured to the Gold Coast’s biggest Dawn Service despite windy and damp conditions.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and partner Reza Arib at the Brisbane Dawn Service. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Currumbin’s Elephant Rock was bathed poppy red in the pre-dawn darkness to mark the 108th anniversary of Anzac forces landing at Gallipoli.

The veterans parade, led by pipers and drummers, arrived at the rock at 4.40am as hundreds of veterans and their loved ones marched into the ceremonial parade ground at Currumbin Vikings SLSC with medals pinned to their chest.

Anzac Dawn Service at Elephant Rock at Currumbin.