- Published:
- Tuesday 12 April 2016
Special ANZAC Day banners are being flown at key locations around Melbourne, while a new online portal will provide all Victorians with information about services being held throughout the state.
The ANZAC Day banners are featuring at key locations along the ANZAC Day March Route, as well as other locations around Melbourne. In total, nearly 70 banners will be displayed across Melbourne.
The façade of the Federation Square Hub will also be carrying ANZAC Day imagery.
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the commemorative day itself, which began in 1916 – one year after the Gallipoli landing.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, where 108 Australian men resisted an attack of more than 1500 Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. It would become one of the most extraordinary chapters in Australia’s military history.
The Andrews Labor Government and the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Victorian Branch are working together on a program of activities that commemorate the anniversary. Victoria’s Vietnam War veterans will join their Vietnamese counterparts and lead the 2016 ANZAC Day March for the first time.
A new website and information portal with information about local ANZAC Day commemorations is now online, complete with details of local services and activities, and public transport arrangements. There are more than 200 services being held at locations throughout the state.
The online portal also includes information about trading restrictions and sporting events on ANZAC Day. Community groups and councils can access the portal for information that helps plan, promote and deliver local ANZAC Day services.
The portal can be visited at www.anzaccentenary.vic.gov.au/anzacday2016/(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Veterans John Eren
“ANZAC Day is a really special occasion for so many Victorians. It’s a day we honour the brave sacrifice of our servicemen and women who gave so much to us.”
“The ANZAC Day online portal is a great way for locals to access information about how they can pay their respects to our veterans.”
“It’s also an opportunity for local community groups to promote their own services and activities.”