Beachside dawn service expected to draw over twelve thousand this ANZAC Day

At least 12,000 people are expected to attend a beachside dawn service in Coogee this Anzac Day, Friday 25 April 2025.

Beginning at 5.30am at Goldstein Reserve, the service will include a Welcome to Country, prayer, laying of wreaths, the Last Post bugle call, a minute's silence, musical performances and the New Zealand and Australian anthems sung in Gadigal and in English.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker encouraged Randwick locals and visitors to join a nearby event.

"This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915, an opportunity to pay solemn tribute to those who sacrificed so much and to recognise the service of more than two million men and women who have served our country in conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations since."

"Whether you join us at the Coogee dawn service or attend another service near you, I hope you can take a moment to come together as a community to honour their service."

The Coogee dawn service is delivered in collaboration with the Coogee Randwick Clovelly RSL sub-Branch, the ceremonial custodians of the service. It is one of four similar events organised by local RSL sub-branches across the Randwick City area

Major General Tony Fraser AO CSC - who served in the Australian Army for 34 years as a helicopter in the Middle East, UK, Canada and the US - will deliver the Anzac Address.

The service includes performances by from local musicians, including students from South Coogee Public School Choir and will be livestreamed on Randwick City Council's Facebook page.

Anzac Day Coogee Dawn Service 2024
Goldstein Reserve
175 Arden Street, Coogee
Friday 25 April, 5.30am

After the formal commemorative service concludes, members of the public are invited to congregate at the Coogee rainbow walkway after the conclusion of the service, where local musicians will perform until 11:30am.

A number of local businesses at Coogee will be open for food and coffee on Friday 25 April with some trading from 4:00am.

In the lead up to Anzac Day, Council is this year flying street banners across Randwick City paying tribute to locals who served in conflicts from World War I through to Vietnam and Afghanistan.

The individuals recognised in the 2025 campaign are:

• Albert Victor (Bert) Tuck - WWI soldier and South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club member who died at Gallipoli.
• Edith Blake - WWI nurse who trained at the Coast Hospital and was the only Australian nurse killed in direct conflict during WWI.
• Ted Sullivan - WWII veteran who served in the southwest Pacific in anti-aircraft units.
• Vic Simon - Vietnam veteran and Matraville local who fought at the Battle of Long Tan.
• Danny Jeffery - RAAF veteran of Afghanistan and Invictus Games athlete, now an advocate for veterans' mental health.
• Terry Farley - Long-time local, firefighter, surf lifesaver, and currently serving Australian Army member.

Launched on 7 March 2025, the Honouring Service campaign was developed by Randwick City Council, with the endorsement of Council's Anzac Trust following a public call for nominations in late 2024.

Further information about the Coogee dawn service, including road closures, traffic and public transport information is available on Randwick City Council's website, along with a listing of all dawn services in Randwick City.

Media enquiries

Matthew Phillips, matt.phillips@randwick.nsw.gov.au, 0408 541 717

Last Updated: 23 April 2025

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