Remembering at dawn
Thousands gather in honour of service
In a public expression of respect for those who have served their country, an estimated 35,000 people attended the 2018 Anzac Day Dawn Service commemorations at the Shrine. Demonstrating the ongoing commitment to honouring service and sacrifice by the community of Victoria.
This year’s Veteran’s Address was delivered by Group Captain Annette Holian, an Orthopaedic Surgeon with extensive experience in trauma and disaster response who has served on multiple deployments including Afghanistan, East Timor and Bandeh Aceh.
Read GPCAPT Annette Holian’s Dawn Service Veteran’s Address
For the first time, veterans of recent conflicts led the Anzac Day March from Federation Square to the Shrine, with Navy father and son Warrant Officer Martin (Marty) Grogan OAM RAN and Captain Darren Grogan CSM RAN leading the procession. An estimated 10,175 current service men and women, veterans and descendants participated in the March.
Shrine CEO, Dean Lee reflected that Victorians are resolute in honouring those who have served and died in defending our way of life. The growing participation in commemoration is proof they will never be forgotten.
View our Dawn Service album |
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Services
All are welcome to attend the following commemorative services. |
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73rd Anniversary of Victory in Europe
(VE Day)
Tuesday 8 May, 11am
Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
On 7 May 1945 the German High Command authorised the signing of an unconditional surrender on all fronts in the aftermath of Hitler’s death: the war in Europe was over. On 9 May 1945, some 10,000 gathered to observe VE Day at the Shrine.
Full list of Services |
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Shrine Monthly Memorial Service
Thursday 17 May, 11.30am
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
This month we commemorate the following important dates:
3 May 1917—Second Battle of Bullecourt
14 May 1943—Sinking of the hospital ship Centaur
29 May 1945—Second Sandakan death march
30 May 1942—The ‘1,000 Bomber Raid’
The monthly memorial services run for approximately one hour.
Full list of services |
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American Ex-Servicemen Association
Sunday 27 May, 2pm
Wreath Laying in the Sanctuary
The Association was formed for the purpose of promoting the welfare of American ex-servicemen and women in Australia and to secure better relations between our two nations. A reception in the Shrine Visitor Centre follows this annual service.
Full list of services |
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Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service
Thursday 31 May, 11am
Wreath Laying on the Forecourt
Indigenous Australians have served in the Australian defence forces since the Boer War. Over 50 Indigenous ANZACs fought at Gallipoli, and more than 3,000 Aboriginal and Islander Australians served in the Second World War. This service commemorates their contributions and stories.
Full list of services |
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Talks and Events
Friends of the Shrine can attend public programs for free. General admission is $5 per person. Bookings essential. |
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Courage in the Skies
Thursday 10 May, midday
Auditorium
Jim Eames recounts the remarkable story of Qantas and its crew in the face of the Japanese advance towards Australia. Flying unarmed planes through war zones, and at times under enemy fire, the airline supplied the front lines, evacuated the wounded and undertook surprising escapes.
Book now |
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Curator Talk: For Humanity
Tuesday 15 May, 11am
Departs from the Education Centre
Victorian service men and women since 1945 have helped the sick and wounded in war and peacekeeping across the world, sometimes in dire conditions and desperate circumstances. Join curator Dr Ian Jackson on a tour of this exhibition and discover how treatments and technologies have changed, but the need for courage and compassion has not.
Book now |
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The Last Fifty Miles
Wednesday 23 May, 6pm
Auditorium
There were fifty miles to victory and defeat, fifty miles to collapse and renewal, and fifty miles to a new place for Australia among the nations of the world. They were among the most significant fifty miles in our history. Join Adam Wakeling as he explores the final battles for the Australian troops in the First World War and their significance.
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From Rwanda to Afghanistan
Tuesday 29 May, midday
Auditorium
Wing Commander Alex Douglas, one of the first Australians to be awarded a Medal for Gallantry, will reflect on the key issues underpinning effective medical treatment on the front line. Alex’s three decade career as a medical officer on active service has spanned the army, air force, Africa and Asia.
Book now |
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Exhibitions
Entry to exhibitions is by donation. All proceeds support the Shrine Education Program. |
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For Humanity
Until 24 March 2019
West Gallery
What does it mean to save lives as others are taking them? Medics on the frontline give gripping accounts of their experiences. Stories of immense trauma are offset against moments of touching humanity. Sometimes when the stakes are high it is these flashes of compassion and humanity that endure.
More information
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Nerves and Steel
Until 29 July 2019
South Gallery
Discover the struggles and glory of the Allied forces against Japan’s powerful navy and the role that the Royal Australian Navy played from December 1914 to September 1945 in securing the ultimate Allied Victory.
More information |
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The Light Horse
Until 21 October 2019
East Gallery
While Australian infantry served in the grim trenches of the Western Front, their comrades in the Australian Light Horse were fighting dynamic campaign of manoeuvre against the Ottoman Turks in the desert wastes of Sinai, Palestine and Syria. Featuring historic and contemporary paintings, and memorabilia from the now legendary light horseman.
More information |
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Recent Conflicts
Permanent exhibition
West Gallery
Discover the human stories behind the headlines about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Find out what it is like to serve in war in the twenty-first century, and see the war through the eyes of some remarkable Australian servicemen and women as they fought a ruthless and elusive enemy.
More information |
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Voile Poppy Scarf
$19.99
This scarf is the perfect accessory in the warmer months. Available in four colours; white, light blue, royal blue and black, the scarf also makes for a thoughtful gift.
Visit the Shop |
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Poppies Mug
$16.99
A fine bone china mug from the Ashdene Poppies range. The poppies have been illustrated with intricate detail by renowned botanical artist, Jenny Phillips. Microwave and dishwasher friendly. Designed in Australia.
Visit the Shop
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Serving Our Country
Joan Beaumont & Allison Cadzow (Newsouth Publishing)
$39.99
Based on oral histories and the contributions of a number of academics, Serving Our Country provides a comprehensive history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in the Australian Defence Force, and their search for recognition and acknowledgement.
Visit the Shop
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Remembrance Magazine
April 2018
$5.00
This latest edition includes Transformation at Villers-Bretonneux by Dr Ross McMullin, coinciding with the centenary of events that took place at Villers-Bretonneux across Anzac Day. Another feature is Three Medical Perspectives by Helen Taplin, Wing Commander Alexandra E Douglas MG and Group Captain Annette Holian which offers further insight into some of the stories told as part of the For Humanityexhibition.
Visit the Shop |
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