About the Event
ANZAC Day continued to hold special significance in Albany, where it is widely recognised that the service conducted by Padre White marked the birth of a tradition that is now observed across Australia and New Zealand.
Albany's RSL sub-branch, with support from the City of Albany, delivered the 2026 Dawn and Commemorative Services, along with the traditional Gunfire Breakfast and Troop March. For the first time in several years, the commemorations were fully open to the public, with no ticketing required for the main services.
Hundreds gathered before sunrise at the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial on Mount Clarence for the Dawn Service, honouring the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women. Following the service, the community came together at the Albany Entertainment Centre for the traditional Gunfire Breakfast, a long-standing ANZAC Day custom recalling the breakfast taken by soldiers before battle.
Later in the morning, veterans, serving personnel and community groups participated in the traditional Troop March along York Street before gathering at Anzac Peace Park for the Commemorative Service, where the community paid tribute to those who have served their country in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping.