Events to remember Anzac sacrifice
Date published: 23 April 2026
Reflect on the service and sacrifice of our troops at this Saturday’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Held on the anniversary of the landing of the First Australian Imperial Force and New Zealand Army troops at Gallipoli in 1915, this solemn day of remembrance will be marked with five Council-run events across Townsville.
The commemorations will include dawn services and parades at Townsville City and Thuringowa, as well as a mid-morning services at the Thuringowa Cenotaph at Riverway Precinct.
Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said this was a particularly significant day for Townsville, as Australia’s largest garrison city.
“The dedication, sacrifice and courage of our servicemen and women is something we are incredibly proud of here in Townsville,” Cr Dametto said.
“Our city is home to thousands of current and ex-servicepeople, as well as their families, and holds a deep and lasting connection to the Defence Forces.
“It’s heartening to come together as a city on Anzac Day and remember all those who have served and pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
“Council is proud to have worked closely with the Townsville RSL Sub-Branch and the Thuringowa RSL Sub-Branch to deliver this year’s Anzac Day commemorations giving all Townsville residents and visitors the chance to stop, reflect and remember.”
The Townsville City Dawn Service and Parade will be live-streamed and available to watch for free on the Townsville City Council YouTube channel.
For more information, visit Council’s What’s On Townsville website.
Thuringowa Services
- 5:20am – Dawn service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct
- 8:30am – Parade form-up (Weir State School carpark)
- 9am – Parade step-off (Parade travels along the dirt track behind Weir State School, continues behind Riverway Stadium, proceeds along Sporting Drive, across Riverway Practice Oval, and concludes at Thuringowa Cenotaph)
- 9:30am – Mid-morning service, Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct
Townsville City Services
- 5:20am – Dawn service, Anzac Memorial Park
- 8:30am – Parade form-up (Strand Park)
- 9am – Parade step-off (Parade proceeds along The Strand to Anzac Memorial Park)
Anzac Day 2026
Join Townsville City Council this Anzac Day, in partnership with the Townsville and Thuringowa RSL sub-branches. Commemorative services and parades will be held at the Thuringowa Cenotaph, Riverway Precinct and Anzac Memorial Park, The Strand
Mother's Day Memorial
Join us at Belgian Gardens Cemetery for a special memorial to remember those close to us that we have lost. The memorial is a free community event and open to all who seek to connect with others to remember their loved ones ahead of Mother's Day.
Join Townsville Youth Council
Join to collaborate with community leaders, create new opportunities, and advocate for the issues that matter most to the next generation. Applications close 30 April 2026.
Capital Works Program
To keep Townsville growing, Council is actively involved in the delivery of projects to provide vital infrastructure and exciting development opportunities.
Garrison - Exhibiting at Pinnacles Gallery
Featuring around 60 artworks by Douglas Green, Tim Page, George Gittoes, Jon Cattapan & more, this exhibition brings together historical & contemporary perspectives on conflict, service & resilience through works from the City of Townsville Art Collection.