Today on Anzac Day, communities across NSW are coming together on this national day of remembrance to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current members of the Australian Defence Force.
The NSW Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place commenced this morning at 4:30am, the time it is believed the first ANZACs waded ashore at Gallipoli, 110 years ago.
The service was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, including the Premier and Minster for Veterans David Harris, ex-Service Organisations, veterans' groups and a crowd in the thousands.
NSW Premier Chris Minns recited a poem, Salute by Elliott Napier, and laid a wreath to acknowledge the service of our veterans and military personnel from New South Wales.
The Anzac Day March starts at 9am on Elizabeth Street with over 8,000 current serving members and veterans expected to march past the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
The march will culminate with the Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial starting at 12:30pm with members of the public encouraged to attend.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel will be recognised at the Coloured Digger event and march this afternoon in Redfern. Now in its 19th year, speeches will be given at 1pm at the Redfern Community Centre, with the march setting off at 2pm.
Official events in the Sydney CBD will close with the sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 5pm.
With tens of thousands of people expected to attend commemorations in the CBD, it is recommended to use public transport for all Anzac Day travel.
Free travel is available for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families on Anzac Day, with additional early morning services running into the city. To access free travel, commuters will need to: be in uniform; display service medals; or, have a War Widows Gold Card or a letter of accreditation from a branch of the RSL or other recognised ex-service organisation.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"It was 110 years ago today that the first ANZACs landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
"On this solemn day, we reflect on those ANZACs, and all who have served in the generations since, along with their families.
"There is no higher example of public service than giving one's own life while serving in our defence forces. Today, with gratitude, we pause and acknowledge their sacrifice. Lest we forget."
NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"Today we gather to commemorate 110 years since the landing at Gallipoli, to remember those brave ANZACs and all who have served and given sacrifice to our nation since.
"Anzac Day is our opportunity to pay tribute to all the servicemen and servicewomen that have gone before, who continue to serve, and their families who have allowed us to live freely in this great state and country.
"I encourage everyone in NSW who can, to attend a commemorative service in your community today and take time with your family and friends to pause and reflect."
