General News
20 April, 2026
Lest we never forget our Diggers
PROGRAMS have been finalised across the region for services, marches and parades, wreath-laying, gunfire breakfasts and lunches to commemorate this year’s ANZAC Day on Saturday 25 April.
Parades and marches will be held across towns in the Far North, some with lunches or refreshments afterward.
Babinda RSL sub branch executive committee secretary Jenni Stone said that its “executive and members are pleased to report that preparations for this year’s ANZAC Day commemorative activities are well underway and progressing smoothly”.
“The sub branch is privileged to have the ongoing support of local organisations, such as the Babinda Lions Club, the Babinda branch of the QCWA and our local school students and staff,” she said.
“Their continued involvement, along with the strong backing of the wider Babinda and surrounding district communities, plays a vital role in ensuring our commemorations remain meaningful and well attended.
“This year, the peace bell housed in the Babinda RSL bell tower will be rung, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and service of past generations, and of the freedoms Australians continue to enjoy as a result.”
Cairns
Dawn service, 5.25am. Live-streamed from council’s YouTube. 5.30am, the dawn service will commence at the Cenotaph on the Cairns Esplanade. Services march 7.30am the Parade will commence at Fogarty Park, heading to the Esplanade past the RSL. Dawn service, 5.15am: assemble at Cairns Aquarius apartments for the march on. 5.30am: assemble at Cairns cenotaph for the dawn service. ANZAC Day march, 6.45am: parade to form up at Fogarty Park, 7.30am: parade steps off to Cairns cenotaph. No morning service.
Edge Hill
Dawn service assembly. 4am start arriving at the Martyn Street Cemetery, 4.20am assemble at the Australian War Graves site, 4.25am service commences at the war graves section of the Martyn Street Cemetery.
Edmonton
Hosted by Edmonton RSL sub branch. Dawn service 5.30am-7.30am at the Cenotaph on Wolff Street, Edmonton (right next to Fuller Park).
Gordonvale
Hosted by Gordonvale RSL sub branch. 4.15am, assemble at Cenotaph in Gordon St.
Stratford
Commemorative service, 9.30am-9.50am, parade participants form-up in Magazine Street and prepare for command to step off. 9.54am, Cenotaph guard is mounted and Spirit of Anzac is played. 9.55am, street march steps off. 10am, master of ceremonies commences greeting and intro. 10.05 am, commemorative service commences. 9.30am-09.50am, parade participants form-up in Magazine St and prepare for command to step off. 10.05am, service commences.
Trinity Beach
Dawn parade: 5.30am commemoration service. 5.45am Catafalque Party takes post, service and wreath laying at Trinity Beach memorial March past to conclude ceremony.
Yorkeys Knob
Commemorative service, 8.30am commemorative service at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club memorial garden, breakfast for guests, service, ex-service members. Bookings are essential, visit www.ykbc.com.au.
Babinda
Dawn service, 4am, assemble at the RSL hall. 4.20am, veterans march to Cenotaph, followed by service and wreath laying. Commemorative service, 9.45am, parade assembles at the RSL hall. 9.55am, Fall in. 10am, commemorative march to Cenotaph.
Port Douglas
Laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute’s silence. 10.30am-11am, main service starts at Macrossan Street, Port Douglas.
Mossman
5.30am, dawn service held at Douglas Shire administration block.
Innisfail
Dawn service at Cenotaph. 5.30am, dawn service at the Cenotaph, Jack Fossey Park, Fitzgerald Esplanade. 7am, gunfire breakfast – Innisfail RSL. 8.00am, ANZAC mass, Mother of Good Counsel Church, Innisfail. 9.30am, street march from Innisfail Cenotaph, Jack Fossey Park, Fitzgerald Esplanade.
Tully
Dawn service, Mitchell Park, Tully. 5.30am, ex-service personnel and citizens assemble at the Tigers Leagues Club. 6am - parade to Mitchell Park Cenotaph via Bryant St. 10am, march to Mitchell Park Cenotaph.
Cardwell
Dawn service at Cenotaph, Victoria St (Bruce Highway). 5.45-6.30am. March and main service. 10.45am-12pm, march forms up opposite the ‘Ob-La-Di’ shop on the Esplanade Walkway at 10.45am.
