Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to attend ANZAC Day services and events across the municipality on Saturday 25 April 2026, to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand personnel in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Dawn Services and morning commemorations are planned as follows:
Ararat:
- 6am Dawn Service at the Ararat War Memorial.
- 10am March and Commemorative Service at the Ararat War Memorial.
Elmhurst
- 10.30am Guest Speaker and Wreath Laying at Elmhurst Hall, High Street.
Lake Bolac
- 10.45am March, Commemorative Service and Luncheon at the Soldiers' Memorial Hall.
Wickliffe
- 10.30am Flag Raising Ceremony at the Wickliffe War Memorial.
Willaura
- 9am Wreath Laying, followed by March and Memorial Service at the Willaura Cenotaph.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Bob Sanders, said ANZAC Day continued to hold a special place in the life of the community.
"Each year, people from right across Ararat Rural City get up early, bring their families, and gather at Dawn Services and marches in their own towns, and that shows how deeply ANZAC Day is woven into our community," Cr Sanders said. "These commemorations are about coming together to remember those who served and continue to serve, standing alongside veterans and their families, and reflecting on the values of courage, service, and care for one another that we want to see in our community today."
Cr Sanders encouraged residents to support local services and the volunteers who make them possible. "Our RSL sub-branches, service organisations, schools, and community volunteers put in a great deal of work each year to plan respectful services, coordinate wreath laying, and welcome people of all ages," he said.
