This Saturday the country will stop to remember the sacrifice and bravery of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and servicewomen, past and present.
As the first light of dawn breaks over the ocean in Mooloolaba, boat crews will silently paddle out to sea, laying wreaths of native Australian flowers, before raising their oars to the haunting echoes of the Last Post.
Due to ongoing foreshore redevelopment works, the 2026 Dawn Service will be relocated slightly south of Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club.
Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club president Trent Robinson said the relocation will not diminish the experience.
“While the foreshore development is still underway, we have carefully planned the new location to the south of the main lifeguard tower to ensure the Dawn Service remains as moving and meaningful as ever,” he said.
“The essence of the service – community, respect and remembrance – will remain unchanged.”
Meanwhile, opening on the eve of Anzac Day, a compelling exhibition will offer a poignant reminder of our shared humanity amid today’s unsettling global conflicts.
Noosa Regional Gallery will present Afghanistan, a national touring exhibition of photographs by internationally renowned, award-winning photojournalist and author Andrew Quilty, curated by Ellie Waterhouse.
The exhibition, running from April 24 until June 14, will be officially opened by Noosa Council Mayor, Frank Wilkie. Free tickets are available online.
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Anzac services
The following Anzac Day Dawn Services and mid-morning services will be hosted by RSL Queensland sub-branches across the Sunshine Coast.
Buderim – Dawn Service: 5.15am. March: 8.30am from Woolworths car park to Buderim Mountain State School; Main Service: 9am at Buderim Mountain State School, Pine Forest.
Caloundra – Gunfire Breakfast: 6.30am. Wreath Laying: 10am at Memorial Garden, 19 West Terrace.
Coolum–Peregian – March: 4.30am (behind RSL Club carpark). Dawn Service: 4.45am followed by Gunfire Breakfast at RSL Cenotaph, 1906 David Low Way, Coolum Beach.
Eumundi – March assembly: 7.30am (Cnr Napier Road & Lonergan Lane). Service: 8am followed by barbecue breakfast at Eumundi Amphitheatre, 76 Memorial Drive.
Kenilworth – Breakfast: 7.30am at RSL Memorial, Kenilworth Town Park. March: 8.45am to Showgrounds. Main Service: 9am at Cenotaph, Peter Dobson Park.
Kings Beach – Dawn Service: 5am, Kings Beach Amphitheatre.
Mapleton – March Assembly: 9.30am (Cnr Wilga Court & Flaxton Drive). Service: 10am followed by morning tea at Mapleton Memorial Park.
Maroochydore – Dawn Service: 4.28am followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Cotton Tree Cenotaph, 53 The Esplanade. March Assembly: 8am (Memorial Avenue). Main Service: 9am at Cotton Tree Cenotaph.
Montville – Dawn Service: 5.30am followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Montville Memorial Gates, Village Green.
Mooloolaba – Dawn Service: 4.55am, Mooloolaba Beach, south of the main lifeguard tower. Closest access via Beach Access 180 (past the public amenities and showers in Arthur Parkyn Park). Live broadcast: Hot91.1FM.
Mudjimba – Dawn Service: 5.30am followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Power Memorial Park Cenotaph, Mudjimba Esplanade. March: 10.45am (assembly 10.30am, Cnr Coolabah & Mudjimba Beach Road). Main Service: 11am at Power Memorial Park Cenotaph.
Nambour – Dawn Service: 5.30am (assembly 5.15am, WWI Heroes Walk) at Wall of Remembrance, Quota Park, Mathew Street. Main Service: 9am (assembly 8.30am, Howard Street) at Wall of Remembrance, Quota Park.
Tewantin – Dawn Service: 5:30am at the Tewantin Cenotaph. Tewantin Cemetery Service: 6:30am. Main Parade & Cenotaph Service: 9:30am. March assembly point: Sidoni Street at 9.15am.
Verrierdale – Dawn Service: 5.30am followed by Gunfire Breakfast at Verrierdale Hall, 460 Verrierdale Road.
Yandina–Eumundi – March: 10.55am (assembly 10.45am, Stevens Street). Service: 11am at Cenotaph, Stevens Street.
Bli Bli – Main Service: 9am at Bli Bli Cenotaph, Avenue of Honour, 125 Parklakes Drive.
Korean War Veterans Commemorative Service – 11am at Korean War Memorial, top of the hill in Alexandra Headland.
