Anzac Day 2025 in Alice Springs: Full updates of Dawn Service, mid morning service
Alice Springs has delivered a standing ovation for armed service members past and present, as veterans share what Anzac Day means to them. See the pictures.
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Veterans, cadets, current serving members of the armed forces – and more – were greeted with a standing ovation in Alice Springs when marching through the town centre, as veterans share what Anzac Day means to them.
Dozens of veterans were joined by still serving members of the armed forces – Australian and American – as they marched through town to get to Anzac Hill for the midmorning remembrance service.
Vietnam Veteran Leon Tuttleby marched, and said he hoped he would inspire the next generation by doing so – the same way he was inspired as a young man.
Spending last year’s Anzac Day in hospital, Mr Tuttleby said he “really missed it” and was happy to be taking part this year.
He said he will spend the catching up with old friends and was planning on “having a couple quiet ones” later in the day.
Following on from the march were students from Yipirinya School, Braitling Primary School, Ross Park Primary School, and more.
The procession marched down Todd St, where they drew a standing ovation.
They then marched along the Todd River, then up Schwarz Crescent to get to the top of Anzac Hill, where dozens of punters were waiting to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price.
For the midmorning remembrance ceremony, Anzac Hill was full, with little space left to stand.
More than 20 wreaths were laid in honour of those who lost their lives.
Speaking once the ceremony concluded, Afghanistan Veteran Jomerson Familari said the day brought back memories of his service – and the lifelong friends he made along the way.
A family man, he said he’ll spend some time with them before catching up with and checking in with old friends – the “most important thing” about the day, he said.
Earlier in the day, a cold morning didn’t stop Alice Springs from coming down in droves to the Anzac Day Dawn Service, where veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice were remembered.
Held at the Garden Cemetery, cars lined the Stuart Hwy with people getting in early to get a hot drink and food as part of the gunfire breakfast, which began at 5.30am.
The Dawn Service began at 6am, with Norforce Centre Squadron Warrant Officer Class Two Scott Allen also the master of ceremonies.
He gave a history of The Dawn Service, and honoured all veterans who served in theatres and peacekeeping missions in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
Remembering the first Anzacs, he said Aussies were still struck by their “extraordinary courage, cheerfulness, loyalty, and good humour as they contended with constant shelling, rifle shots, shortages of rations and water, disease and death”.
“This is why we remember them, the first Anzacs and all of those who have followed. They left us that legacy and we in turn commemorate their sacrifice.”
The commemorative address was delivered by Regional Force Surveillance Group Commander Colonel Steven Dickie, who said more than 103,000 Australians had died in combat.
An honour roll of 73 Centralians who made the ultimate sacrifice was also read out, with a two minute silence to remember all who lost their lives.
“We honour and reflect that we are all recipients of this sacrifice and have inherited their legacy,” Colonel Dickie said.
“It seems to me that simple yet meaningful gathering such as ours this morning are growing ever in importance.
“Today is not about crowd numbers, a memorable selfie or a game of footy, but about Australians coming together to pause and reflect on true sacrifice, true heroism and what, at least in part, it means to be in Australia.”
Wreaths were laid by Alice Springs Town Council Mayor Matt Paterson, NT politicians Bill Yan and Josh Burgoyne, and Colonel Dickie.
The crowd honoured the minute silence, and once the ceremony ended and the sun come up, many embraced and broke out into conversation.
About 1500 people turned up to the Dawn Service.
Overnight, the Bureau of Meteorology forecasted a low of 10 degrees in Alice Springs, with plenty in the crowd wearing jumpers and beanies.
In the afternoon, veterans and civilians keen on a punt descended on the golf club for game of two up.
Held next to the kids playground, dozens turned up and revelled in the action, keeping themselves cool from the Alice Springs afternoon sun with a variety of beverages.
The game was facilitated by Garry Still, who said the game was raising money for the charity Legacy, which supports veterans.
DAWN SERVICE GALLERY
ANZAC DAY MARCH and ANZAC HILL MID MORNING SERVICE GALLERY
TWO UP GALLERY
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