Visit to the Western Front for Anzac Day

This weekend I will travel to the Western Front to undertake a series of commitments in the lead up to Anzac Day. 

109 years since the first Anzacs landed on the beaches of Gallipoli, and 106 years since the Great War waged on the Western Front, the importance of Anzac Day has not at all diminished in the collective minds of Australians. 

Throughout my trip I’ll have the opportunity to pay tribute to our current and former service personnel, including through commitments at NATO and at Menin Gate in Belgium.

Of the 330,000 Australians who served in the First World War, 60,000 lost their lives, many of whom lie eternal on the Western Front – our most deadly theatre of war.

I’ll pay my respects to the fallen at Commonwealth War Graves spread across the Western Front and participate in a series of commemorative events. 

The trip will culminate on Anzac Day, where I’ll deliver the commemorative address on behalf of the Australian Government at the Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux, France, paying tribute to the more than 46,000 Australians who lost their lives on the Western Front.  

On Anzac Day, we will pay tribute to more than 2 million Australians who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, as well as acknowledging the sacrifices of their families.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608