10 April 2026
ANZAC Day provides an opportunity for communities across the Southern Downs to come together in solemn reflection to honour the service, sacrifice and ANZAC spirit of the men and women who have served Australia in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.
Southern Downs Regional Council is proud to work with the RSL Sub-Branches and community groups to support a range of commemorative services on 25 April for residents to pay their respects and acknowledge the enduring legacy of Australia’s past and present veterans.
In line with this year’s national ANZAC Day theme, Women in Service, Council is supporting the Warwick and Stanthorpe RSL Sub-Branchs’ efforts to celebrate the contribution of women in service, encouraging female defence force personnel to connect with the Sub-Branches, which are overseeing arrangements to ensure women are represented and recognised in the annual march.
In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, Mayor Melissa Hamilton and Councillors share their reflections on the significance of the day and its continuing meaning for the Southern Downs community.
Mayor Melissa Hamilton: “On ANZAC Day we respond to the ode committing to ‘remember them’. But ANZAC Day is not just about memories or rituals. It is about actively building connections to those who served and who serve today, their families and friends and the histories they hold and pass on. We do this together to pass the torch to future generations so that they can understand, through those human connections, the true value of the political freedoms that were hard won through the sacrifices of those who came before them.”
Deputy Mayor Sheryl Windle: “The significance of ANZAC Day has seen a steady increase in attendance at services over the past decade. It is pleasing to see that the interest has particularly increased in younger people. They are very interested in hearing the stories from veterans, and in attending services. They are aware of the sacrifices which were made by Australians and their families in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. ANZAC Day provides young people an opportunity to come together with people of all ages and from all walks of life. It is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that were made, and to pay their respects to those who are still serving, those who gave their lives in combat and the families who made sacrifices.”
Councillor Sarah Deane: “ANZAC Day allows us to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and to recognise the impact that legacy still has on our communities today. Lest we forget.”
Councillor Morwenna Harslett: “ANZAC Day is not only a time to remember the well-known chapters of our military history, but also to honour those Australians whose service has too often gone unrecognised. From foreign conflicts to frontier conflicts here at home—now increasingly acknowledged as the Australian Wars—we reflect on all who have served, suffered and sacrificed. We also recognise those who remained on the home front during times of war, whose resilience, labour and sacrifice kept our nation strong. In particular, the contributions of women—so often overlooked—were vital in sustaining families, communities and the broader war effort. They too are heroes of our national story. Here in the Southern Downs, we are proud of our strong sense of community and remembrance. We honour the service and sacrifice of local men and women and acknowledge the generations who have carried that legacy forward. Their stories, whether widely told or long overlooked, form part of the full and honest story of our nation. We stand in respect, gratitude, and remembrance for every one of them.”
Councillor Cynthia McDonald: “The RSL has designated this year’s theme for ANZAC Day to celebrate the sacrifices of women who have served in Australia’s Military and Defence Forces. As a former serving member, I am proud to see that the RSL and Australian public are formally celebrating those brave women who served beside our soldiers, sailors and airmen throughout the wars and conflicts that Australia has been involved in since Federation. ANZAC Day is a deeply personal event for those who have served and for those families that have suffered loss, separation and the stress of having a loved one deployed into a combat zone or on a humanitarian mission. I therefore provide my personal thanks to all those that have served, whether in operations or war, whether through peacetime regular or reserve service or as a cadet in all three services and their families for their patriotism and sacrifice. During this time of uncertainty and conflict in the Middle East and Europe, it is timely to reflect upon our Government’s responsibility under the Constitution to provide adequate defence forces to protect the States of Australia. I would call upon all Australians to reiterate to our Federal representatives that the necessary resources are provided for our current service personnel to adequately defend our culture and way of life. To me, this is the primary and most important role of our Federal Government.”
Councillor Russell Wantling: “ANZAC Day is deeply personal to me, as my grandfather served in World War I and returned home to a soldier settler block in Amiens, as did many others of his generation who helped to build much of our region from the ground up. Their stories reflect the sacrifice, resilience and quiet strength that define the ANZAC spirit, and why it must never be forgotten.”
Last edited date 10 Apr 2026