Lest We Forget

Caloundra will join communities around Australia and New Zealand this Sunday to pay respects to the brave men and women who have served and passed away in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations to afford us the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We owe so much to the Anzacs. Their qualities of courage, mateship, endurance and sacrifice have defined us as a nation and left such a powerful legacy.

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national commemorative occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as Anzacs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day. 

Caloundra has played a significant role in the war effort, by the many men and women who left our shores to contribute so bravely in battles around the world and by those on the home front as well.

A number of memorials and commemorative sites around the community serve as a reminder of the many sacrifices made. If you would like to pay your respects this weekend, we’ve listed some places you can do so below.

Centaur Memorial: Located at Centaur Park at Wickham Point, this memorial commemorates the sinking of the hospital ship Centaur that was torpedoed by an enemy submarine south east of Cape Moreton. Only 64 of the 332 people on board survived. 

Military Jetty: This historical site on the Golden Beach Esplanade looks peaceful now, however it was a different situation in wartime when the waters of the Pumicestone Passage were busy with the transportation of troops, goods and important military equipment from the jetty to fortifications on Bribie Island.

Memorial Gardens: The home of the Anzac Day morning service and wreath laying, these beautiful gardens and striking helicopter restoration are located next to the Caloundra RSL, in West Terrace. The garden honours the members of the local community who served in the Australian Defence Forces during war and peace, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice. It acknowledges those veterans who survived and helped build the Australia we enjoy today.

We will remember them.