11 April 2025
ANZAC Day stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, resilience and mateship that define the ANZAC spirit, and communities across the Southern Downs will gather on Friday 25 April 2025 to honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have defended Australia in conflicts past and present.
Southern Downs Regional Council is proud to support a number of commemorative services throughout the region, providing an opportunity for the community to come together in reflection and respect.
Southern Downs Councillor Cynthia McDonald reflects on the times that, as a nation, we ask a lot our ADF personnel to deploy into situations for protracted periods and asks the community to remember those that have served and are currently serving.
“During this time, we honour the ANZACs. Those members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who bravely served at Gallipoli, Turkey on 25 April 1915.
“We are also proud to commemorate all current and past Australian Defence Personnel who have served, were injured or died in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping operations, training and Aid to the Civil Power Campaigns. We recognise the significant contribution and suffering of all those who have served our Nation for the freedoms we enjoy today.
“I would also ask that we as a community remember the families of those that have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force.
“There are times as a Nation we ask a lot our ADF personnel to deploy into situations for protracted periods. It is the family members who are left behind during these stressful times that raise our children, take on extra responsibilities and keep the nation resilient.
"Lest We Forget.”
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton acknowledged the deep significance of ANZAC Day and the importance of continuing this tradition of remembrance.
“My great-grandfather and his brother enlisted in Mount Morgan and served at Gallipoli for 4 months from September 1915 until the evacuation. They were then sent to France until the signing of the Armistice, and fought in many battles with names recognisable to us here in the Southern Downs, including Amiens, Pozieres and Somme.
“All of our veterans and their families know of the sacrifices that they make every time our country asks them to serve for us, and they do so quietly, with honour. It is for that selfless service that on ANZAC Day we gather in a collective act of remembrance, reflection and gratitude.
“My fellow Councillors and I are honoured to join our communities in ensuring that our soldiers, past and present, are never forgotten,” Mayor Hamilton said.
For Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle ANZAC Day is a time for people to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australians and their families in all wars.
“ANZAC Day is a time for people to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australians and their families in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. It holds great significance for people from many walks of life but in particular all those who have served, those who are still serving, those who gave their life in combat and all the families who made sacrifices and suffered in many ways,” Cr Windle said.
Southern Downs Councillor Russell Wantling says ANZAC Day holds a special significance for his family.
“ANZAC Day holds a special significance in my family. My grandfather was one of the brave soldiers who fought at Gallipoli. Despite being wounded twice on the battlefield, he continued to return to the front lines, fighting in every major battle across Europe.
“The fortitude shown by my grandfather, along with all those who fought to defend the freedom we enjoy today, is something I will never take for granted. The sacrifices they made, ensuring that their families would live in a better and safer world, should never be forgotten.”
Council encourages community members to learn about the men and women who, to this day, put on their uniforms to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
For Councillor Ross Bartley, the words of his grandfather, a WW1 veteran, echo the importance of the day. He said, “We as a nation should never forget or take for granted the contribution and sacrifice of all who were affected by the past conflicts in which involved Australia.”
For Councillor Sarah Deane, ANZAC Day is filled with gratitude.
“For me, Anzac Day is a yearly reminder to honour those who have served our country and sacrificed their livelihood for our safety and well-being. For that I am forever grateful,” Councillor Deane said.
Residents across the Southern Downs are encouraged to attend a local ANZAC Day service to honour the legacy of Australia's servicemen and women and to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Lest we forget.
A full list of services can be found on Council's Facebook page or downloaded here (PDF 2.8MB).
Aa full list of road closures, can be downloaded here (PDF 2.1MB).
Last edited date 11 Apr 2025