Anzac Day may have looked quite different last year but things are getting back to normal in 2021, with the traditional in person commemorations recommencing after a year's hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rockhampton Region will once again gather for Anzac Day commemorations on Sunday, April 25.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is pleased to see the return of traditional commemorative services in 2021.
"Not only is this year's Anzac Day special because we are actually able to pay our respects in person again, but 2021 also marks the 100thyear of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which was established after WWI," Mayor Williams said.
"It's wonderful that we are able to hold traditional Anzac Day services again, following cancellations last year due to COVID.
"There will be dawn services in Rockhampton, Gracemere, Mount Morgan, Westwood, Bouldercombe, Marmor and Alton Downs as well as marches and various events throughout the region.
"Although restrictions have eased we ask that attendees are vigilant and follow instructions of event organisers to ensure everyone can pay their respects in a safe way.
Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson said this year there will be a mixture of ways people can honour our veterans.
"Last year, the community found new ways to honour those who have served, and continue to serve our country, which was fantastic to see," Cr Wickerson said.
"The great news is not only are we able to have in person services again, but those new ways, such as RSL Queensland's Light Up the Dawn campaign, will be back again this year.
"We understand not everyone will be able to attend Anzac events and encourage those who can't attend to participate in Light Up the Dawn, which started last year in the midst of the pandemic and saw people lighting candles at the end of their driveways as a way to commemorate our veterans.
"People will also be able to tune into 4RO who will be providing highlights of the march, broadcasting from in front of their office on Quay Street.
"Whether you choose to attend a traditional service, or commemorate at home, there are numerous ways to honour and thank our nation's veterans."
Temporary Road Closure Details for CBD Businesses and Residents
Changed traffic conditions will be in place between 6.00am and 1.00pm Sunday, 25 April 2021, to facilitate the Anzac Day March.
For the safety of event organisers and the community, the below temporary road closure conditions will be in place:
- Archer Street – between Denison Street and Victoria Parade
- Alma Street – between Cambridge and Fitzroy Streets
- Alma Lane – between Cambridge and Archer Streets
- Bolsover Lane – between Cambridge and Archer Streets
- Victoria Parade/Quay Street – between Archer and Derby Streets
- Royal Street – between East Street and Victoria Parade
- East Lane – between Cambridge and Fitzroy Streets
- William Street – between East Lane and Quay Street
- Denham Street – between East Lane and Quay Streets
Please note the school bus set down areas will be on Cambridge Street and vehicle passenger drop off areas will be at the Archer Park Rail Museum. Under no circumstances will buses or vehicles be permitted to stop on Archer Street near the train line. It is NOT SAFE to do so. Drivers must obey all road rules and follow traffic controller instructions.
Other services:
Rockhampton Service
Dawn Service at 4.27am at the Cenotaph, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. Please bring a torch and jumper with you to the Service.
Rockhampton Service Road Closures
Between 3.00am and 6.00am Spencer Street will be closed between Agnes and Anne Street, and Anne Street will be closed between Penlington and Spencer Streets.
Rockhampton Service Bus and Parking
There will be a free bus service for the dawn service at Botanic Gardens however seat numbers are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. We would encourage anyone who has mobility difficulties and their carers to take up this service if needed. We would encourage all other attendees to drive and park if possible. Parking will be available at The Rockhampton Gold Club, Mater Hospital, and the temporary carpark off Agnes Street.
Bus will depart Bunnings at 2.45am to Botanic Gardens via the following route:
- Bunnings, Northside Plaza, Kern Arcade bus stop (Bolsover St), Allenstown Plaza, Botanic Gardens
The bus will stop on the street and will not enter car parks. The bus service will commence promptly at the advertised time so please be early. Bus will return from the Botanic Gardens at approximately 5.30am. To book a wheelchair space please call Sunbus on 4936 2133.
Rockhampton March
March assembles at 9.00am at the intersection of Archer and Alma Streets. Step-off at 9.57am. March will be from the intersection, turning right onto Victoria Parade and marching under Fitzroy Bridge and along Quay Street.
Gracemere March
March assembles at 4.10am in front of the shops on Lawrie Street. Step-off at 4.30am.
Gracemere Service
Dawn Service at 4.45am, Gracemere Cenotaph, RSL, James Street. Participants are invited to attend a Gunfire breakfast in the RSL Club Rooms after the service.
Westwood Service
Service at 6.00am, Westwood Hall, Capricorn Highway. Participants are invited to remain after the service for a BBQ Breakfast.
Bouldercombe Service
Dawn Service at 4.28am, Lions Memorial Park, Leanne Hinchliffe Drive, Burnett Highway. Participants are invited to attend a gold coin donation breakfast after the service at the Recreation Complex.
Alton Downs Service
Dawn Service at 4.27am, Alton Downs Hall Cenotaph, corner of Nicholson and Ridgelands Roads. Participants are invited to a sausage sizzle at the Alton Downs Hall after the service.
Marmor Service
Dawn Service at 4.27am, Marmor Memorial Park, Tynan Street. Participants are invited to attend a breakfast at the Marmor Fire Brigade after the Dawn Service.
Mount Morgan Service
Dawn Service at 4.20am at Anzac Park, Morgan Street (form up at 4.15am). A Gunfire Breakfast will be held at 5.00am at the Soldiers Room, 18 Morgan Street.
Mount Morgan March
March assembles at 10.45am, School of Arts, Morgan Street. Step-off at 11.00am. Anzac service at 11.10am, Anzac Park, Morgan Street.
Breakfast and other activities will be held at the Drill Hall, 40 Archer Street from 5.00am to 5.00pm. Gunfire breakfast from 5.00am to 10.00am for a gold coin donation. The bar will operate from 5.00am and there will be a sausage sizzle following the March. Museum opens at 9.00am and is free entry.
Anzac Day Services Poster 2021(PDF, 106KB)
