The NSW Police Force will launch a high-visibility policing operation ahead of one of the nation's most important occasions, Anzac Day.
Operation Anzac Day 2024 will be active across the Sydney CBD tomorrow (Thursday 25 April 2024), beginning with the Dawn Service, Anzac Day March, Commemoration Service, and Sunset Service.
The operation will involve general duties officers assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command, to ensure the community can mark the day.
Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte APM said police have been working closely with RSL NSW, Veterans Affairs NSW, Premier's Department and other government agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for tomorrow's Sydney CBD commemorations.
"There will be large crowds in the CBD tomorrow and those planning to come into the city need to plan ahead, use public transport, and follow the directions of authorities at event sites to ensure the safety of crowds and – most importantly – allow the community to come together to honour the Anzac legacy safely," Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
"If you are planning on attending one of the many events in the Sydney CBD, or across the state, do so safely and respectfully.
"Licensing police will be patrolling in and around licensed venues to respond to any incidents of alcohol-related crime or anti-social behaviour," Assistant Commissioner Whyte said.
Alcohol cannot be consumed on public transport and is prohibited from in Alcohol-Free Zones within the CBD.
Minister for Veterans, The Hon David Harris MP, said communities come together on Anzac Day.
"Anzac Day is an important day in our nation's calendar as our communities come together at various events, dawn services and marches, to honour the service and sacrifices of our veterans and current servicemen and servicewomen," Mr Harris said.
"Tomorrow we will pay our respects to those who have served our country; we thank them for their service and the support of their families, and we remember those who are no longer with us."
RSL NSW President, Mr Mick Bainbridge, said RSL NSW have been working closely with the NSW Government to ensure that the Sydney CBD Dawn Service and March are delivered safely, appropriately, and is accessible for everyone.
"This Anzac Day, I encourage veterans, their families, and the general public to join us in the CBD, or to attend local commemorations in communities right across NSW," Mr Bainbridge said.
Transport for NSW Coordinator General, Howard Collins, said with road closures and parking restrictions in place for most of the day, people coming into the city are encouraged to leave the car at home and take public transport,
"We also advise motorists to avoid driving through the Sydney CBD on Anzac Day as traffic will be heavy while closures are in place," Mr Collins said.
For more information on Anzac Day services and commemorations, visit RSLNSW.org.au
For more information on travel to Anzac Day commemorations and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info
For updates on real-time traffic conditions, including road closures, visit livetraffic.com
