Defence chief on Anzac Day

For more than a century Anzac Day has seen Australia come together to honour those who have dedicated their lives to defending the country. Marking the day that Australian troops landed at Gallipoli, 25 April sees Australians around the world pause to honour and commemorate those who serve today, have served in the past, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, as well as the families who have supported them. The Chief of Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, attended ceremonies in Gallipoli, Türkiye. He said that a time when the world once again faces uncertainty, the lessons of the past can help guide the future. “Perhaps more than ever before, this Anzac Day is a stark reminder of the sacrifice our service people have made for our country,” Admiral Johnston said. “When the Anzacs stepped onto the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915, they did so embodying the same values that Australians pride themselves on today. Every day the ADF continue to follow in those same footsteps laid out by the troops in World War I, drawing from their service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.” As at 21 April 2026, approximately 1,250 Australian Defence Force personnel are deployed on operations across Australia, the Indo-Pacific and the globe, continuing the Anzac spirit while serving Australia’s national interests at home and overseas. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]