Tens of thousands of Victorians have gathered for Anzac Day dawn services as a large crowd turned out in chilly temperatures at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Melburnians braved the darkness and brisk weather to mark the 109th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli in World War I and honour those who have served in other conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
More than 40,000 people filled the area around the war memorial, which was lit up in red before dawn.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Opposition Leader John Pesutto and Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner were amongst the official party.
Master of ceremonies Justin Smith paid particular tribute to Australian peacekeepers, who had "little recognition".
"Many times against their training, our peacekeepers could not fight back and this brought its own trauma, as they witnessed human beings at their worst," he said.
"Their enemies weren't always clear, and their allies weren't always reliable."
Mr Smith also remembered the boy soldiers, as young as 14, who lied about their ages to join Australia's war effort and ended up in Gallipolli.
The governor, Professor Gardner, also extended the commendation of Australia's peacekeepers as she addressed the crowd.
"Every war inflicts untold suffering on the men and women who are called upon through the service in these conflicts to do the extraordinary," she said.
"Their sacrifices raise a question impossible to answer. How many lives were saved as a result of their impossible sacrifice?
"I have no doubt that those who have served in peacetime and in war have saved an untold number of lives."
This is the first year veterans of peacekeeping operations will lead Melbourne's Anzac Day march.
More than 10,000 are expected to take part, similar to last year.
RSL Victoria president Robert Webster delivered the Ode before a lone bugler rang out the Last Post on the steps of the Shrine.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus was joined by the navy band to play the Australian and New Zealand national anthems as dawn broke over Melbourne.
Prof Gardener laid a wreath inside the Shrine to the sounds of 'The Sands of Kuwait' performed by pipers.
Shrine CEO executive Dean Lee acknowledged Victorians taking part in the longstanding tradition.
"The community's commitment to honour those who defend our way of life at this morning's Anzac Day Dawn Service was overwhelming," he said.
"Upholding a 90-year tradition at Victoria's home of commemoration."
Elsewhere, Victorians attended dozens of local services and events in suburbs and towns across the state.
From 9am, service men and women and their descendants will march from Princes Bridge on the edge of Melbourne's CBD to the Shrine.
This will be followed by a commemoration and wreath-laying service in the afternoon.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is commemorating Anzac Day by walking part of the Kokoda Track.
He was represented at the ceremony in Melbourne by Senator Raff Ciccone while Liberal Senator Jane Hume represented Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Australian Associated Press
