ANZAC Day march returns to Parramatta’s heart

The City of Parramatta is gearing up for a historic return of the ANZAC Day march on Friday 25 April – a traditional part of the City’s history.

The march will be the first in Parramatta’s CBD since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will take place from 4.15am featuring more than 100 soldiers in uniform and veterans, followed by members of the public starting near Parramatta Town Hall, before making its way to Marsden Street and finishing at Prince Alfred Square for the annual dawn service.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the ANZAC Day march in Parramatta is more than a tradition – it’s a living tribute to all those who have served their country.

“This year’s march marks the 110th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli – an important moment in our history. Its return is a significant moment for our City and a testament to the spirit of the ANZACs that continues to inspire us all,” Cr Zaiter said.

“This is not just a march – it’s a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice and resilience of those who served and we’re proud to stand together as a community to honour those who have given so much for our country.

“ANZAC Day is not just about remembering the past; it’s about looking to the future, and keeping the spirit of the ANZACs alive for generations to come and we’re excited to have the community join us in making this a special day for our City.”

ANZAC Day services will be held by both Parramatta and Epping RSL sub-Branches.

Epping RSL sub-Branch President Brian Swan AM said ANZAC Day is a time of remembrance for all Australians.

“My grandfather was an Anzac and was killed at Gallipoli and is buried in the war cemetery at Lone Pine,” President Swan said.

“My wife and I were travelling in America and came across the following statement engraved in marble: OUR NATION HONOURS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THAT THEY NEVER MET and this statement from an American memorial is also true for Australia’s fallen.

“We should all do the honour of remembering those who gave their all for this country and helped make it what it is today. Be proud and be Australian.”

Bryan West JP, Secretary of the City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch, said ANZAC Day is perhaps the most significant day of the Australian calendar.

“Each ANZAC Day, I take time to especially remember one soldier – Private W. H. West who served in the 11th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces and came ashore at Gallipoli at sunset on ANZAC Day,” Mr West said.

“Walter, my grandfather, would survive the horrors of Gallipoli and later served in Belgium and France. Fortunately, he returned to Australia but carried the scars of the war for the rest of his life.”

To mark the occasion in addition to the march, the City of Parramatta will fly commemorative street banners in both Parramatta and Epping, flags will be flown at half-mast and Parramatta Library and Powerhouse will host a special remembrance talk on Thursday 24 April at PHIVE with free registration available for those wanting to learn more about this important day.

The event is expected to draw a crowd of thousands of people, all united in remembrance to commemorate the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on Gallipoli in 1915.

Join us as we honour the ANZACs and the spirit of sacrifice that continues to shape our nation. Visit City of Parramatta’s ANZAC Day page for more information, to join us in honouring the enduring legacy of the ANZACs.