Anzac Day 2024 services across western Sydney

A host of Anzac Day services will be held across western Sydney, from cenotaphs to churches and clubs. Find out where to pay your respects.

Anzac Day at Seven Hills is a major event.

A host of Anzac Day services will be held across western Sydney on Thursday, from cenotaphs to churches and clubs where Dawn Services, barbecues and two-up will be held to uphold the legacy for more than a million Australians who have served in conflicts.

At Parramatta, Anzac Day Dawn Services will be held at the war memorial and cenotaph at Prince Alfred Square in Parramatta from 4.30am and at the war memorial and cenotaph at Forest Park in Epping from 5.45am.

City of Parramatta RSL sub-branch secretary Bryan West said Anzac Day services allowed the memories of those who had served in the armed forces to live on.

“Anzac Day is the most significant event on the veteran calendar as it is a day to remember all the men and women who gave their lives in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions around the world,” Mr West said.

“We hope to have 3000 or more people at the service.”

Millions of Australians have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

Epping RSL sub-branch president John Curdie said services were a chance to pay tribute to those who have served our country.

“The dedication and sacrifice of all Australians who have volunteered their time and, in some cases, their lives in defence of our nation’s values and peace still hold the same significance on this special day,” he said.

Our Lady of Lebanon, Harris Park

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Bishop of the Maronite eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, will lead a Dawn Service and liturgy, co-ordinated by the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park.

The Dawn Service begins at 5.30am before breakfast is served.

“Let us come together to reflect upon and pay homage to the sacrifices made in service to our nations with a focus on Australians of Lebanese origin; from the various villages, towns and cities of our homeland,’’ Bishop Tarabay said.

Anzac Day 2023 at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park.

Seven Hills RSL Club

The Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL sub-branch hosts one of western Sydney’s largest Anzac Day services, which continues the tradition of a march and concludes with a breakfast.

Pay your respects to the fallen from 5am at Boomerang Place (Seven Hills train station) where a march will make its way to the cenotaph outside the club at 5.20am when there will be seating for about 200.

The Dawn Service will begin at 5.30am and concludes at 6.30am.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided to all attendees inside the club at Fitzroy Lane.

Attendees gather at the cenotaph outside Seven Hills-Toongabbie RSL Club.

West HQ

The club formerly known as Rooty Hill RSL Club is ready to commemorate Anzac Day in its 60th year of supporting the community and is teaming up with the Rooty Hill RSL sub-branch for a day of two-up, mates, beer and cheer in honour of the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women.

The venue will host one of greater Sydney’s largest indoor two-up rings operating from noon to 4pm, with rugby league dual international Wendell Sailor ready to make the first toss ahead of the traditional Anzac Day fixtures.

West HQ chief executive Richard Errington said West HQ had supported the community, including those who have served the country, for the past 60 years.

Wendell Sailor will honour Anzac Day at Rooty Hill.

“This has included the commemoration of Aussie Diggers by holding two-up in the venue for more than 40 years to mark a shared experience with our soldiers,” he said.

“With this year being our 60th year of operation, we are looking forward to having one our biggest ever day of remembrance and commemoration, with a host of activities for all the family to enjoy.”

Rooty Hill RSL sub-branch president and Digger Alf Davey, who was conscripted as a 19 year old in 1969, is looking forward the community uniting for the “special day”.

“This venue holds a very special place in the heart of many Diggers from the local area and it is great to see West HQ continue its heritage to commemorate this important day,” he said.

The club will again support Legacy with $1 from every beer sold on the day being donated to the organisation, which supports families of service men and women, whose lives have been impacted by war.

Pinegrove

Rooty Hlil RSL sub-branch and Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury, will again co-host the

popular Dawn Service to bring the community together for a morning of reflection and comradery.

“The relationship between the local veterans and the Park is both significant and special,”

Mr Davey said.

“We have shared many memories and stories over the years and have had many successful

services at the park. We strive together to continue to keep the traditions and the stories of

bravery and sacrifice of departed personnel remembered within the community.”

Pinegrove Memorial Park general manager Duncan Pacey said it was about commemorating past generations and supporting soldiers and their families.

With thousands expected to attend, Pinegrove offers an expansive and peaceful space for

reflection.

“In previous years, many attendees have stated the service has been the most atmospheric

and moving Anzac Day commemoration they have attended,” Mr Duncan said.

All members of the public are welcome to attend the 5.30am service and enjoy a barbecue

breakfast for a small donation to Legacy.

For those unable to attend in person, a live radio broadcast on SWR FM Radio and a

livestream on the Pinegrove Memorial Park Facebook page will be available on the morning of the service.

Originally published as Anzac Day 2024 services across western Sydney