Maleny Anzac Day Commemoration
Maleny Anzac Day commemoration is organised by the Maleny RSL sub-branch and embraced by the wider community.
There are 3 morning commemoration ceremonies, preceding the Anzac Day March
In Maleny, the day begins with a traditional Dawn Service at the RSL Maleny Cenotaph, adjacent to the RSL Memorial Hall in Bunya Street.
The annual Gunbarrel Breakfast follows the service.
There is also a brief service at the Witta Cemetery. starting with a short March from the front gates to the Rotunda. At the conclusion of the service, participants are invited to move to the graves of individual veterans. Pausing for a moment of reflection proves to be a moving experience and solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by our Veterans.
The Soldiers Memorial Walk alongside the Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Bean Street will also hold a memorial. Participants are invited to gather at the Gazebo behind the Hospital for a 30 minute service beginning at 9.40.
Maleny Anzac Day March
The Maleny Anzac Day March is the most heavily supported of the day’s events.
If you would like to March, please assemble at Cooke Park, on the corner of Fig & Maple streets by 10am.
Veterans wishing to participate, but unable to march, are provided transport in Vintage cars.
The Veterans are joined by their families and their deceased comrades’ decendants, along with members of community groups.
Local schools are well represented with students and teachers joining the march and continuing the Tradition.
Maleny’s 5th Light Horse regiment leads the parade, along with the Navy Cadets from T.S.Centaur.
The Anzac Day March sets off at 10.30 am, proceeding along Maple to the RSL Maleny Cenotaph for the Commemorative Service at 11am.
The service is always heavily attended with local, state and Federal Representatives in attendance and military personnel and members of public filling the Cenotaph.
Those unable to find a spot also watch from the banks of the Maleny Creek, nearby Tesch park, and bridge and roadside adjacent.
After greetings and prayers, we hear from senior Military officers with tales of heroism from past service personnel and a dedication to all those who are currently serving.
During the Service, individuals and representatives of community groups and schools are invited to come forward and lay wreathes and pay their respects.
Following the Service the public are invited to come and meet the horses of the Light horse regiment.
To complete the event, lunch is available in the RSL Maleny Memorial Hall followed by the playing of traditional games for those who wish to participate.
What visitors to Maleny should expect on Anzac Day
As a sign of respect, the majority of retail and service businesses remain closed until noon (if not the entire day).
An exception are the Café’s in Maple street, which are open for breakfast as usual. Many find the Café’s are an ideal location from which to watch the parade, before following the marchers to the RSL for the Commemoration.
Traffic attempting to enter Maple St is diverted from 10 am until completion of the Parade at approximately 11am.
The Program
4.28 am Dawn Service & Gunbarrel Breakfast- Maleny Cenotaph 1 Bunya St
8.45 am Witta Cemetery Commemoration Service
9.40 am Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital Service
10.30 am Maleny Anzac day March departs Fig St
11.00 am Maleny Anzac Day Commemoration -RSL Cenotaph