General News
2 May, 2026
ANZAC Day spirit embodied
FAR North Defence leaders played a central role in ANZAC Day commemorations across the region over the weekend, with HMAS Cairns commanding officer Commander Andrew Thorpe leading the Cairns parade and Major Kathryn McDermid (Army) delivering the dawn service address at the Cairns Cenotaph.
Commander Thorpe said ANZAC Day remained “an important day for us, and it’s special”, providing an opportunity “to reflect on and really honour the personnel that have served in the Australian Defence Force”.
“It’s also important for us to recognise and remember the families of the Defence Force personnel who’ve provided that support over a lengthy period of time,” he said.
Major McDermid told the dawn service the day honoured “those that fought in World War One, but also all Australian and New Zealand personnel that have sacrificed in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations”.
She said it was also a time to acknowledge “the wounds of war and the impact that has on family members and community”.
Services were held across the region, including dawn services in Cairns City and Trinity Beach from 5.30am, followed by commemorations in Gordonvale and Yorkey’s Knob later in the morning.
Regional communities marked the day with services in Millaa Millaa, Cooktown and Mossman, with further commemorations in Port Douglas and Tully.
In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, HMAS Cairns personnel attended school services on 24 April, visiting sites including St Andrew’s Catholic College, Redlynch State College, Woree State High School and Trinity Beach State School, as well as aged care facilities across the region.
Commander Thorpe said the Navy base had a strong connection to the community.
“We’re really intrinsically linked within the community, so it’s really important for us to be out there on ANZAC Day and to show our support, not only for our Defence Force personnel, but the community as a whole,” he said.
Major McDermid said commemorations in regional areas played a key role in conveying the day’s significance.
“It gives an opportunity for the younger generation to come through and remember that history, what their forefathers fought for, and have that sense of pride and instil those values,” she said. In an international tribute, Able Seaman Kieryn Nieves, originally from Cairns, took part in the Gallipoli dawn service in Turkiye, where he played the didgeridoo.
The commemorations formed part of a coordinated Defence presence across Far North Queensland, recognising the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand forces.
