Cronulla, NSW – On April 25th, 2025, the Cronulla community will come together once again to honour and remember the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Force. Hosted by the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch, this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations will reflect on the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice, bringing together thousands in a shared moment of remembrance.

This year holds special significance as the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch commemorates its own 100th anniversary. With a strong connection to the local community, the Sub-Branch hosts one of the largest commemorative services in the Southern Metropolitan Area, anticipating a crowd of up to 20,000 people. The stage will be strategically positioned with Bate Bay as a backdrop, providing a breathtaking setting for this solemn occasion.

2025 marks the 99th ANZAC Day service hosted by the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch since it received its charter from the former Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in 1925. The only year we did not come together as a community for the service was in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a historic first, this year’s ceremony will feature an address by Jenny Weir, the first female Sub-Branch Member to speak at the service, marking a significant moment in the ongoing story of Cronulla’s ANZAC Day tradition.

The day will begin with the Dawn Service at 5:30am at Cronulla Park, with Cronulla RSL opening its doors at 4:00am for early arrivals. The Dawn Service will be a powerful and solemn tribute to all those who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The service will feature wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, and the playing of the Last Post, offering a moment for all attendees to honour and reflect.

Following the service, the Cronulla RSL will host a breakfast at the Club, offering a choice of a $20 Big Breakfast or a $10 Bacon and Egg Roll to fuel the day’s events.

A special highlight of the day will be the HARS Warbird Flypast at 10:40am, when three aircraft will take flight from Shellharbour and fly north to Sydney, passing over Cronulla for two laps of Bate Bay. The flypast will offer a stunning aerial salute to our veterans and their families, as the planes make their way to join the ANZAC Day march in Sydney.

For those looking to enjoy a little fun, Two Up will be held on the green with sausage sizzle and a pop-up bar to keep everyone refreshed. Music from Mark Travers will play from 12:00pm – 3:00pm in the Sunroom, creating a lively atmosphere as the community gathers to continue the celebrations of the day.

Funds raised through Two Up will go towards supporting AWAMO (Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation) and retired military working dogs, such as Manic and Aslan.

A Special Year in Cronulla's History

This year’s ANZAC Day event is particularly significant as it marks the 100th anniversary of the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch. The first ANZAC Day service was held in 1924, following the completion of the Cronulla War Memorial in August 1923. The memorial, originally located at the intersection of Kingsway and what is now Cronulla Mall, was a symbol of the community’s deep respect for those who had served. As the community expanded and the need for a dedicated commemorative space grew, the memorial was relocated to Monro Park, where ANZAC Day services were held for many years.

More recently, as attendance at these services increased significantly, the ceremony was moved from Monro Park to Cronulla Park, allowing for greater community participation and a setting more reflective of the ANZAC legacy.

Recognising the significance of remembrance in the local area, the Sutherland Shire Council has further enhanced this commemorative space, establishing a dedicated memorial site in Cronulla Park to ensure the history and sacrifices of our veterans are preserved for future generations.

The Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch has been the main driver of ANZAC Day services in Cronulla since its early days. The Sub-Branch played a pivotal role in the establishment of the local War Memorial and has been central to the ANZAC Day services that have taken place every year since. From its humble beginnings, where funds were raised through community euchre parties and dances, to today’s highly anticipated commemorations, the Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch has been dedicated to preserving the memory of those who served.

Over the years, the service and the community participation have grown significantly, from a small gathering to an event that attracts thousands of locals and visitors each year, but it remains rooted in the solemnity of the day and the deep respect for those who have given so much for the freedom we enjoy today.

Cronulla RSL proudly supports the ANZAC Commemorative Service, through the ClubGRANTS program.

A Day of Community and Reflection

The Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch is proud to host this special event and invites all members of the community to join in. It is a time to honour the sacrifices made by our service men and women, reflect on the history of our country, and come together to show gratitude and support for our veterans and their families.

For further information, including the schedule for the day, please visit the Cronulla RSL or Cronulla RSL Sub-Branch website or contact the Club directly.

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