For the first time since 2019, commemorations for ANZAC Day will return to Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (Manly Dam) and Manly War Memorial (the Corso).

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said ANZAC Day ceremonies this year will be inspiring reminders of the unshakeable bonds of friendship connecting Australia and New Zealand.

“We’ve all endured a lot the last two years with COVID, but that is nothing compared to the sacrifice that our military personnel have experienced on the front line.

“During the first world war, 77,000 Australians and New Zealanders perished on foreign soil, often side-by-side.

“In the Manly-Warringah area alone, one in every six men who enlisted for service abroad during the Great War did not come home, the terrible conflict forever leaving its tragic impact on the heritage and memories of the two nations.

“We know about the ANZAC spirit, and I definitely see the links of friendship based on common principles and shared history which have endured for more than a century, through bad times and good,” he said.

Dawn Services of Remembrance will be conducted at:

• Manly War Memorial, The Corso, Manly at 4.25am (arrive by 4am).
• Manly Dam, King Street, Manly Vale at 5.30am (arrive by 5.15am), hosted by Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Remembrance Trust and Northern Beaches Council.

An ANZAC Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying Ceremony will also be held at the Manly War Memorial on The Corso, Manly, commencing at 11.00am.

“In 2019, over 4000 people attended the commemoration at the Corso which shows how important the qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice still remain immensely important to our sense of national identity,” said Michael Regan.

A traditional piper, bugler, 2/17 Battalion Australian Army catafalque party, and the Warringah Concert Brass band, led by David Cosentino will perform at the Manly Dam Dawn Service.

A traditional piper, bugler, catafalque party, and the Manly District Band will perform at the Manly War Memorial 11am Service. Speakers include Mayor Michael Regan and Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Costello. 

In the event of rain, the 11am service will be held at St Matthews Church, The Corso, Manly.

A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens of the Northern Beaches to be present at the above services. Issued medals will be worn.

In addition to the formal services, for the second year, Manly Townhall will be lit up with a special projection for two nights (Sunday 24 and Monday 25 April) as well the Dawn Service.  

“I encourage everyone to come together again and not only acknowledge but show their respect and remember the men and women who fought for Australia and those who have lost their lives,” Mayor Regan said.

For more information on both Council and other locally run ANZAC Day services visit our website.