As the ANZAC Day long weekend approaches, Australians across the nation are preparing to pay their respects to the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces.

This solemn occasion is marked by dawn services, marches, and moments of reflection, as we honour the legacy of the ANZACs.

For many, this also means taking to the roads to attend commemorative events, visit family, or enjoy a getaway during the public holiday.


Double demerits are a traffic penalty system designed to deter unsafe driving behaviours during peak travel periods.

They serve as a stark reminder that safety should never take a backseat, even during times of national remembrance.

During these periods, penalties for driving offences such as speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt, and riding without a helmet are significantly increased.

The consequences of accumulating too many demerit points can be severe, potentially leading to hefty fines and even the suspension of your driver's licence.

Here's what you need to know about the double demerit system in place for the ANZAC Day long weekend across Australia:


New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales and the ACT will see double demerits in effect from Thursday, 24 April, to Sunday, 27 April.

This means that the usual number of demerit points will be doubled for offences like speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and riding without a helmet.

The ACT also imposes additional demerit points for less serious offences, such as failing to keep left, although these do not double.

Western Australia

Western Australia also observes double demerits during the ANZAC Day period.

Certain offences can result in up to 14 demerit points in one instance during a double demerit period, which could immediately suspend your licence.

These offences include driving a vehicle fitted with a device designed to evade speed cameras and moving in a manner to avoid detection by speed cameras.

Queensland

Queensland takes a unique approach to double demerits. Instead of applying them during public holidays, the state enforces double demerits year-round for drivers who commit the same offence twice within 12 months.

This applies to offences such as speeding more than 20km/h over the limit and violations of mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet.

Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory

It's important to note that Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory do not use the double demerits system.

However, Victoria Police are conducting a significant road safety operation from 17 April to 27 April, which means there will still be a strong police presence and enforcement of road rules.
Commemoration

Sydney
The heart of Sydney will once again be the focal point for ANZAC Day commemorations, with the dawn service at Martin Place starting at the symbolic time of 4:20 am.

Veterans and their families will gather in the pre-dawn darkness, joined by thousands of citizens in a shared moment of reflection.

Registration is available online for those requiring accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can participate in this solemn occasion.

Following the dawn service, the ANZAC Day march will commence at 9 am, moving from Martin Place to Liverpool Street.

Later in the day, at 12:30 pm, a Commemoration Service will be held at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.

Additionally, a significant crowd is expected to gather for a beachside dawn service at Coogee's Goldstein Reserve, beginning at 5:30 am.


Canberra

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra will host a dawn service at 5:30 am, preceded by readings from the letters and diaries of Australians who have experienced the realities of war.
Starting at 4:30 am, these personal accounts provide a poignant backdrop to the service.

The Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN, will deliver the Commemorative address, adding to the gravity of the occasion.

Melbourne

Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance will be the ANZAC Day Dawn Service site at 5:30 am.

The hour-long service will be followed by an opportunity for the public to lay a poppy in the Sanctuary, a gesture of remembrance and respect.

The Shrine opens to the public at 7 am, and the ANZAC Day march will begin at 8:30 am, proceeding from Swanston Street down St Kilda Road.
Brisbane

In Brisbane, the dawn service will take place at the city's Shrine of Remembrance in ANZAC Square at 4:28 am, which holds historical significance.

The march will then weave through the city from 9:45 am. Queenslanders can also find numerous smaller events across the state, with details on the RSL website.

Adelaide

Adelaide's dawn service will commence at 6 am at the South Australian National War Memorial.

A commemorative march will follow at 9:30 am, culminating in a service at the Cross of Sacrifice at 11:40 am.

Hobart

The Queen's Domain Cenotaph in Hobart will host the dawn service at 6 am, with a march down Macquarie Street and Elizabeth Street starting at 11 am.

Another service will be held at the Cenotaph at 11:45 am.

Perth

Western Australia's main ANZAC Day event will be the dawn service at King's Park in Perth, beginning at 5:45 am.

As we prepare to attend these events, let us remember the significance of ANZAC Day. It's a time to reflect on the courage, mateship, and sacrifice that define the ANZAC spirit.

Whether you're attending a dawn service, watching a march, or simply taking a quiet moment to remember, ANZAC Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together in a spirit of commemoration and gratitude.


What does this day mean to you? Do you have a personal story or family history connected to the ANZACs? Your contributions help keep the legacy alive, ensuring that the stories of our servicemen and women are never forgotten.