Thousands across Brisbane honour nation’s Anzac heroes

Thousands braved the rain to attend Dawn Services across SEQ this morning, but some mid morning services and marches have been forced to cancel due to flooding. SEE WHERE

Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Brisbane City Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Tens of thousands of Queenslanders have taken part in ceremonies across the state today to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing – Australian and New Zealand Army Crop’s first major military action in World War I.

Thundery storms and torrential rain did little to deter people from the dawn services across South East Queensland.

There was a good turnout at the Helensvale Dawn Service, despite the rain and thunder. Pic: Club Helensvale

More than 400 commemorative events from Dawn Services, gunfire breakfasts to marches and parades have been held from the Gold Coast to Cape York to acknowledge and recognise the current and past military personnel.

But by mid morning some RSL branches in the southeast were forced to cancel 9am ceremonies or marches due to persistent rain or flooding.

Southport RSL was forced to cancel its Broadwater service and march due to flooding, while Ormeau, Burleigh Heads, Forest Lake and Nambour also had to cancel mid morning events.

At Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast the RSL march was cancelled, but a Rotary event went ahead, while at Canungra the march was moved indoors.

Large crowds braved the rain at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Brisbane City Shrine of Remembrance. Picture: John Gass

Thousands of people attended the dawn service at Anzac Square in Brisbane, including Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Queensland opposition leader Steven Miles.

Defence Force chief David Johnston said the enduring Anzac spirit remains strong.

“On Anzac Day we reflect on the courage of those who have come before us, their proud and distinguished history, and our enduring commitment to carry that legacy forward,” he said.

“We reflect on their service and sacrifice, their care and support for one another, and the hardships they bravely endured.

“We pay our respects to those who served – and the families and communities affected by war. Lest we forget.”

Kirilly Dutton and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in Kallangur for Anzac Day Dawn Services. Picture: Richard Dobson

Queensland Governor Jeannette Young praised the incredible bravery, determination, endurance and heart shown by the original Anzacs.

“By war’s end, over 60,000 of our country, men and women had died, and 156,000 had been wounded, gassed or captured,” she said.

“There was not a family or community untouched by the unbearable sadness of loss.”

Veteran Craig Coleman, who served at the Australian Army for more than 20 years, said the day should be important to the entire community rather than just the military people.

“The sacrifice that others have made, whether it be just being away from home, spending hours training or making the ultimate sacrifice, should be important to everybody in the community, because that’s why we have the freedoms that we have now,” he said.

Originally published as Thousands across Brisbane honour nation’s Anzac heroes