Operation Anzac Day 2025
NSW Police will launch a high-visibility policing operation ahead of Anzac Day, to ensure the community can mark one of the most important occasions safely.
Operation Anzac Day 2025 will be active across the Sydney CBD and surrounds tomorrow (Friday 25 April 2025) and will see a large police presence at significant events including the Dawn Service, Anzac Day March, Commemoration Service, and Sunset Service.
The operation will involve general duties officers assisted by specialist police, including the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Group (OSG), Mounted Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and Police Transport Command.
Operation Anzac Day 2025 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said the priority for police is to ensure the community can commemorate the legacy of Anzac Day in a safe and secure environment.
“Anzac Day is one of the most important and sombre days on the calendar and we want the community to be able to commemorate the occasion in a safe and respectful way,” Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
“Police will be highly visible, patrolling event sites and licensed venues to ensure everyone’s safety and will have a zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour or alcohol and drug-related crime.”
“We’re expecting large crowds in the CBD tomorrow to pay their respects to our veterans and service men and women, so we’re urging anyone who comes into the city to plan ahead, use public transport and follow the directions of authorities at event sites.”
The public is reminded that alcohol cannot be consumed on public transport and is prohibited from Alcohol-Free Zones within the CBD.
Police have been working closely with RSL NSW, Veterans Affairs NSW, Premier’s Department and other government agencies ahead of the operation.
“This year especially, as we commemorate 110 years since the land at Gallipoli, Anzac Day 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,” the Hon David Harris MP, NSW Minister for Veterans said.
“Anzac Day gives the community an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have served our country. Take a moment today to pause and remember all who have served, and continue to serve, allowing us the freedoms we afford today.”
“If you cannot make it into the Sydney CBD, you can watch the march on ABC TV or attend one of the many local services and events in your community. I encourage all of NSW to attend a commemorative service, dawn service or march and to pause and pay respects to our veterans and current serving members, and their families.”
RSL NSW President, Mr Mick Bainbridge, said the organisation has been working closely with the NSW Government to ensure the Sydney CBD Dawn Service and March are delivered with the highest standards of safety, respect, and inclusivity.
“Anzac Day is a profound reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who have served our nation. The Anzac spirit continues to unite Australians, instilling pride and a deep sense of national identity across generations. There is no more meaningful way to honour their legacy than by coming together as a community on 25 April — whether in the heart of Sydney or at commemorative services across the state,” Mr Bainbridge said.
Transport for NSW Acting Coordinator General Barbara Wise said public transport is free on Friday 25 April for veterans and serving Australian Defence Force personnel as well as their families and carers.
“Extra early morning services will run on metro, trains, bus and light rail to help those attending the Dawn Service get to Martin Place. Please plan ahead at transportnsw.info to get to the service on time,” Ms Wise said.
“With road closures and parking restrictions in place for most of the day, we encourage everyone to leave the car at home and take public transport.”
For more information on Anzac Day services and commemorations, visit RSLNSW.org.au
For more information on travel to Anzac Day commemorations and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info
For updates on real-time traffic conditions, including road closures, visit livetraffic.com
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