Veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force are being honoured this week with Anzac Day commemorations across NSW.

Anzac Day gives our community an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have served our country.

It is a time to come together and pay tribute to the Anzacs who served in World War One and all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have since followed in their footsteps.

To commemorate this special occasion, I attended the Dawn Service in Martin Place on the 25th of April. I was joined by over 5,000 spectators to honour the Anzac spirit and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

It was a special opportunity to pause and remember all who have served our nation, allowing us the freedoms we afford today.

As part of a longstanding traditions for NSW Premiers, I recited the poem ‘Salute’ by Elliott Napier and laid a wreath in acknowledgement of the service of our defence force.

As Premier of NSW, I am committed to honouring our veterans and their families.

That is why the Minns Labor Government is providing 92 local community groups and schools with a share in $100,000 of funding to help educate communities about the history and service of our defence force.

Australia has lost over 100,000 lives in wars and peacekeeping roles, and we owe them and their families our deepest respect.

Throughout this week, I ask communities across NSW to come together to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

As a State right now, we are thinking of every man, woman and child who, in the service of our Country, died so that the light of freedom and humanity might continue to shine.

Yours sincerely,

The Hon. Chris Minns MP
Premier of New South Wales
Member for Kogarah