Victoria Police have pledged a strong and visible presence for this year’s Remembrance Day service, in response to concerns about potential anti-social behaviour following disruptions during this year’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Extensive operational planning has been carried out ahead of the official State Remembrance Day Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday. Authorities emphasized that the event will proceed as scheduled, including a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Bunurong Elder Uncle Mark Brown, despite hecklers disrupting the same ritual during the Anzac Day Dawn Service in April.
“Victoria Police has undertaken extensive planning to ensure the safety of those attending this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony,” a spokesperson said. “There will be a highly visible police presence at the Shrine, as well as across Melbourne’s CBD throughout the day. Officers are prepared to respond swiftly should any anti-social behaviour occur.”
Three people were previously charged for allegedly disrupting this year’s Anzac Day service. Shrine security personnel will also be present during Tuesday’s event.
The ceremony, held on the Second World War Memorial Forecourt, will begin at 10.30am, with a minute’s silence at 11am. Soprano Silvie Paladino is scheduled to perform the hymn Abide With Me. Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner, Premier Jacinta Allan, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece, and RSL Victoria president Mark Schroffel are expected to lay wreaths.
Traffic across Melbourne’s CBD will stop at 11am, as buglers sound the Last Post and The Rouse at more than ten intersections. Services will also be held at over 100 RSL sub-branches and local cenotaphs statewide.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, with only a few thousand veterans from the conflict still alive in Australia. Victory in the Pacific was declared on August 15, 1945.
Tens of thousands of Victorians are expected to attend, making public safety and respectful commemoration a top priority for authorities.
