Cronulla Prepares to Commemorate ANZAC Day with Strong Community Turnout

On April 25, the Cronulla community will once again come together to honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Defence Force personnel at the annual ANZAC Day Commemorative Service, hosted by the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch.

This year’s service holds special significance, marking 100 years of ANZAC Day commemorations in Cronulla. While the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch marked its centenary last year, the service itself reaches this milestone in 2026, following a pause in one year due to COVID.

The day will begin with the Dawn Service at 5:30am at Cronulla Park, with Cronulla RSL opening from 4:00am to welcome early arrivals. Set against the backdrop of Bate Bay, the service will provide a meaningful opportunity for reflection, featuring traditional elements including wreath laying, moments of silence, and the Last Post.

The commemorative service will once again be supported by strong community involvement, including participation from local Surf Life Saving Clubs, addresses from local school representatives, and a contemporary veteran speaker, ensuring the legacy of service continues to be shared across generations.

This year’s event is expected to again draw large crowds, with attendees encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, and be mindful of road closures and timing throughout the morning.

Following the service, Cronulla RSL will host a full day of activities at the Club, continuing the spirit of connection and remembrance within the community. Two Up will be held on the green, alongside food offerings and live entertainment.

A highlight of the morning will be the HARS Aviation Museum flypast, delivering a powerful aerial tribute over Cronulla. Two remarkable historic aircraft will take part:

·        De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou – a Vietnam War veteran aircraft

·        Douglas C-47B Dakota – a veteran of World War II (Pacific), the Korean War and the Vietnam War

These aircraft carry significant history and serve as a powerful tribute to those who have served.

The planned fly past will consist of three orbits at approximately 500 feet (150 metres) above mean sea level, scheduled for around 10:45am.

The Caribou (61 years old) and Dakota (81 years old) require careful operation, and aircraft serviceability may impact the fly past. While every effort will be made, the fly past is subject to weather and operational conditions on the day.

In keeping with the values of support and care for service communities, Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch is again seeking support with their “Books in Lieu of Wreaths” program for their 2026 ANZAC Day Dawn Service. This is an initiative that benefits local schools.  

Cronulla RSL is proud to support the ANZAC Day Commemorative Service through the ClubGRANTS program, working alongside the Sub-Branch to deliver one of the largest and most significant services in the region.

The community is warmly invited to attend and take part in this important day of national remembrance. For full event details, timings and updates, visit https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/anzacday