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Anzac Day 2025: National Commemorations Marked by Ceremony and Disruptions

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Anzac Day 2025: Nation Remembers, but Tensions Emerge

Anzac Day services were held across Australia on April 25, 2025, to mark the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in World War I. The commemorations included dawn services, marches, and traditional two-up games. Multiple services were disrupted by booing during Welcome to Country addresses.

National Commemorations

Canberra Dawn Service

An estimated 35,000 people gathered before sunrise at the Australian War Memorial. The ceremony included a didgeridoo performance by Flight Lieutenant James Evans, a Wiradjuri man. Wreaths were laid by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand High Commissioner Andrew Needs.

Flying Officer Kbora Ali of the Royal Australian Air Force delivered the commemorative address. Ali, an Afghan refugee who arrived in Australia by boat in 2001 and was rescued by the Royal Australian Navy, joined the Australian Defence Force at age 18. She stated:

"Twenty four years since that tiny wooden boat that was saved by our navy, I stand here as a proud daughter, a former immigrant, a former soldier, and now I get to carry the hope and now a promise to give back to the place I now call home."

She described wearing the Australian uniform as the "biggest honour" of her life. The Ode was recited by Peter Baldwin, President of the ACT branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia, followed by the Last Post.

Melbourne

Approximately 55,000 people attended the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Sydney

About 11,000 attendees gathered at Martin Place. NSW Premier Chris Minns recited the poem 'Salute' and laid a wreath. Other attendees included Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, and Governor Margaret Beazley. The traditional march proceeded from Martin Place to Liverpool Street, concluding with a service at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.

Perth

Nearly 30,000 people attended the Kings Park dawn service, which began at 6am in 8°C weather.

Disruptions During Welcome to Country Addresses

Booing was reported during Welcome to Country acknowledgments at dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.

  • Melbourne: Uncle Mark Brown's Welcome to Country address was interrupted by booing and heckling. Police were unable to identify any individuals responsible; no arrests were made.
  • Sydney: Indigenous elder and veteran Uncle Ray Minniecon was booed while delivering the address. Applause from the crowd followed. NSW Police arrested a 24-year-old man for alleged nuisance behavior at the service. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 3.
  • Perth: Whadjuk Noongar elder and veteran Di Ryder's Welcome to Country was booed. WA Police issued 15 move-on orders related to disruptions at dawn services.
  • Adelaide: A small section of the crowd booed, but the disruption ended quickly.

Official and Public Reactions

"The heckling would upset those serving the nation." — Major General Richard Vagg, acting chief of army

  • Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles: Described the incidents as "deeply disgraceful" and "deeply disappointing."
  • NSW RSL acting president Brigadier Vincent Williams: Called the booers "louts" and said their actions did not reflect the Anzac spirit.
  • RSL WA State President Duncan Anderson: Labeled those responsible "cretins" and emphasized that Anzac Day services are politics-free zones.
  • Premier Roger Cook: Criticized the heckling as disrespectful.
  • RSL WA CEO Stephen Barton: Condemned the act and affirmed that acknowledgements of country will continue.
  • Indigenous elder Uncle Ray Minniecon: Stated the hecklers should "understand their place" and noted the racism has persisted for over 230 years.
  • Former federal MP Craig Kelly: Supported the hecklers on social media, stating the Welcome to Country should not be part of Anzac Day services.

Other Anzac Day Events

  • Redfern: The Coloured Diggers ceremony and march honored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.
  • Castle Hill: Thousands attended the Castle Hill RSL service at Centenary of Anzac Reserve, where approximately 50 wreaths were laid.
  • Two-Up: The coin-tossing game, legal only on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day after 12pm, was played in pubs across Sydney. Long queues formed at venues including The London in Paddington, The Clock Hotel in Surry Hills, and the Clovelly Hotel in Clovelly. The NSW Liquor & Gaming Department issued a warning to venues regarding compliance with regulations.
  • Governor-General Sam Mostyn: Attended the North Bondi service, breaking tradition.
  • Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh: Attended a service at the Isurava Memorial in Papua New Guinea.
  • Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith: Attended a service in Currumbin, Queensland, weeks after being charged with war crimes.