Every year on April 25th, Australia and New Zealand come together to commemorate the brave soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. ANZAC Day holds profound significance across the nation, with ceremonies held in cities, towns, and villages to pay tribute to those who fought for their countries. In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, these ceremonies carry special resonance, honouring the local heroes who answered the call of duty. Check out what’s on in the Capricorn Coast region... Dawn Service The solemnity of ANZAC Day begins with the Dawn Service, a poignant ritual that symbolizes the darkness from which the soldiers emerged to serve their nations. In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, locals gather before the break of dawn at memorials and cenotaphs, standing in quiet reflection as the first light of day illuminates the sky. The haunting strains of the bugle playing the Last Post echo through the air, followed by a minute of silence, a time for personal contemplation and remembrance. As the sun rises, wreaths are laid at the foot of memorials, each poppy representing a life lost in service. Emu Park Dawn Service Time: 5.30am ANZAC Court, Emu Park Rockhampton Dawn Service Time: 4.27am Where: Cenotaph, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Yeppoon Dawn Service Time: 5.30am Yeppoon Foreshore, Anzac Parade, Yeppoon The Caves Dawn Service Time: 4.15am Buch Square, The Caves Gracemere Dawn Service Time: 4.35am Gracemere Cenotaph, James Street, Gracemere Mount Morgan Dawn Service Time: 5.20am Anzac Park, Morgan Street, Mount Morgan Bouldercombe Dawn Service Time: 4.28am Leanne Hinchliffe Memorial Lions Park, Burnett Highway Alton Downs Dawn Service Time: 4.28am Alton Downs Hall Cenotaph, Cnr Nicholson and Ridgelands Roads Marmor Dawn Service Time: 4.27am Marmor Memorial Park, Tynan Street Marlborough Dawn Service Time: 5.00am Marlborough Lions Park Marches Following the Dawn Service, the ANZAC Day marches commence, offering communities the opportunity to come together and honour veterans, both living and deceased. In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, veterans, their families, and descendants proudly don their uniforms or medals, marching with dignity through the streets lined with onlookers. The sound of applause mingles with the rhythmic beat of drums, conveying gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served. It's a moving spectacle that bridges generations, connecting the past with the present as communities pay homage to their ANZAC heroes. Yeppoon March Time: 9.30am March commences at the Yeppoon Railway Station and concludes at the Cenotaph, Beaman Park Rockhampton March Time: 9.57am March proceeds along Archer Street intersection, turning right into Victoria Parade and marching under Fitzroy Bridge and along Quay Street to William Street. Gracemere March Time 4.25am March assembles at 4.10am at Conaghan Park on Lawrie Street. Mount Morgan March Time: 11.00am March steps-off from School of Arts on Morgan Street and finishes at Anzac Park. Commemorative Services Throughout the day, commemorative services are held in local churches, RSL clubs, and community centres, providing additional opportunities for reflection and fellowship. These services often include readings, prayers, and musical performances, further emphasising the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit. Veterans share their stories, offering glimpses into the courage and camaraderie that defined their wartime experiences. For many attendees, these services serve as a reminder of the values of mateship, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to shape our national identity. Yeppoon Time: 9.00am – 10.00am Beaman Park, James Street, Yeppoon Rockhampton – Rats of Tobruk Association Time: 8.00am – 9.00am Jeffries Park, Rockhampton Rockhampton – CQ Military Museum Time: 5.00am – 5.00pm (gunfire breakfast from 5.00am – 10.00am) Drill Hall, Archer Street, Rockhampton The Caves Time: 11.30am – 1.00pm Buch Square, The Caves Keppel Sands Time: 9.00am – 10.00am Keppel Sands Foreshore, Schofield Park, Keppel Sands Mt Chalmers Time: 1.30pm – 2.00pm Mt Chalmers Community Park Stanage Bay Time: 11.00am – 12.00noon Memorial Garden, Stanage Bay Westwood Time: 6.00am Westwood Hall, Capricorn Highway