Boost for ANZAC Day events on eve of 2026 Dawn Service
RSL Victoria President Dr Mark Schröffel this morning met with Victorian Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman to confirm the State Government’s increased funding support of the ANZAC Dawn Service and March at the Shrine of Remembrance for the next two years.
This is the culmination of talks with the State Government over the last 12 months to ensure the event remains financially viable for RSL Victoria.
$340,000 has been committed to the event each year for 2026 and 2027, allowing the event to keep pace with the rising costs and increased attendances in recent years.
“The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is an event all Victorians take pride in,” said Dr Schröffel.
“In recent years rising operational costs have put serious pressure on the Dawn Service and the March, as we try to balance those expenses with the increased demands in our core purposes of supporting veterans and their families.”
“We want to thank Minister Suleyman and the State Government for the ongoing dialogue and their work over the last 12 months in securing the funding for the next two years, it has helped ensure the event can continue.”
“We look forward to working with the State Government in the future to further grow the event and ensure its sustainability.”
“We encourage all Victorians to honour veterans past and present on ANZAC Day at the Shrine of Remembrance or the many local community events staged by our hard-working Sub-Branches across Victoria.”
“I also encourage all Victorians to buy a badge or donate online to the ANZAC Appeal to assist in providing vital services to veterans and their families as they transition to civilian life.”
Minister Suleyman paid tribute to Victorian veterans as part of the announcement.
“To every veteran who has worn our nation’s uniform, to those still serving, and to the families who carry that service alongside you, we thank you.”
“Your sacrifice is not forgotten. We see you, we recognise you and we will stand by you, now and always.”
ANZAC DAY EVENT INFO
With 50,000 expected at Melbourne’s Dawn Service, 10,000 lining CBD streets for the commemorative March, and tens of thousands more attending RSL Sub-Branch services and events around the state, ANZAC Day is Victoria’s largest and most important commemorative event.
ANZAC Day allows Victorians everywhere to show respect and admiration for those who have served and provides a tangible and engaging link to the sacrifices of those we have lost.
For all information on how and when you can be a part of this special day, please see below.
Lest We Forget.
- The ANZAC Day Dawn Service starts from 5:30am at the Shrine of Remembrance. For all information on this year’s Dawn Service, including free public transport, site maps and more, please click HERE
- In addition to this event, there will be more than 140 community commemoration events staged by RSL Sub-Branches around the state. Wherever you are in Victoria tomorrow, a place to commemorate is not far away. Click HERE to find your local event.
- The ANZAC Day March from Princes Bridge to the Shrine of Remembrance starts at 9:00am.
ANZAC DAY AMBASSADORS TO LEAD MARCH
Six Ambassadors will lead the 2026 ANZAC Day March, all representing this year’s theme of Middle Eastern peacekeeping service.
Jennifer Ward
Jennifer is the mother of Benjamin Ranaudo, an Australian soldier who was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device while on patrol in Afghanistan in July 2009. Jennifer represents the families of all Australian veterans and service members, whose loss and sacrifice should never be forgotten.
Ricky Morris
Serving since 1995, Ricky is a Veteran of East Timor and Afghanistan and current formation elder with the 4th Brigade. From the Fighting Gunditjmara people of western Victoria, Ricky is a descendant of the Lovett brothers who served together in the First World War, and one of 25 members of his family to serve.
Suzy Wilson
Suzy spent eight years in the Navy from 1985 to 1993. She served in the First Gulf War on HMAS Westralia where she was among a group of seven servicewomen who were the first women to serve in a combat zone in a non-medical role.
Sheraz Ahmadi
Sheraz is an Afghan who was a local interpreter for Australian forces from 2016 – 2019 and the US Special Forces from 2010 – 2013. This work for Australian forces led to becoming an Australian citizen following several attempts on his life by the Taliban. He now lives in Melbourne with his wife and two children.
Rebekah Herron
Rebekah served in the RAAF for 21 years from 2003 to 2024. A Nursing officer who took part in medical evacuations from Iraq and Afghanistan, she is an Essendon supporter and the Bombers’ match ambassador today.
Helen Ward
Joined the Navy in 1987 and is still serving as a Reserve 39 years later. Helen was deployed in Baghdad in 2007 and 2008 where she was the only Australian serving in the Multinational Force’s media centre. She played a crucial part in winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.
The Ambassadors will continue their roles at the AFL match at the MCG later in the day, with Jennifer Ward presenting the ANZAC Day Medal post-match, and the other Ambassadors leading the MCG Motorcade.
ANZAC APPEAL INFO
For over 100 years, the ANZAC Appeal has funded critical services for veterans and their families – advocacy, mental health support, financial assistance, social connection and more.
Donations to the ANZAC Appeal ensure the RSL can provide trauma-informed, best-practice support for veterans and their families in need.
Donate to the 2026 ANZAC Appeal by visiting anzacappeal.com.au today or by buying a badge from volunteers at Sub-Branches or in the community.
For more information or images contact:
Steven Baras-Miller – Media Manager 0418 861 559
Shannon Gill – Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations 0460 295 364
