No place is unaffected by war and the City of Playford is no exception. The story of war encompasses more than those who fought and currently serve, it includes those who remain behind.

ANZAC commemorations provide us with an opportunity to remember those who have fought and served in all wars; conflicts and peace operations and especially remember the more than 100,000 who have given their lives in service.

In 2023, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War.

Overnight Vigil

The City of Playford is proud to host commemorations with a strong youth focus, with young people aged between 12 to 18 leading an Overnight Vigil at the Smithfield Cross of Remembrance.

The City of Playford works in partnership with local service groups to deliver the overnight vigil at the Cross of Remembrance at Smithfield, including Edinburgh Park Scout Group, Ridley District Scouts, St John Cadets, Playford District Girl Guides, Dalkeith CFS and Multi-National Pathfinders Club. Members participate in the vigil's opening ceremony, with the mounting of the Honour Guard, a flag raising ceremony and hat placing ceremony.

Groups then guard the Cross of Remembrance in 30-minute shifts until the dawn service on ANZAC morning and the standing down of the youth guard.

Overnight Vigil Opening Ceremony

• Monday, 24 April 2023
• Cross of Remembrance Memorial, Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield.
• 6.30pm - Start

Dawn Service

There are a number of Dawn Services held across Playford for the community to pay their respects on ANZAC Day.

City of Playford Dawn Service, Cross of Remembrance

The City of Playford community and visitors are invited to join the City of Playford’s Mayor Glenn Docherty and Pastor Bryan Sellars to commemorate and pay tribute to past and present servicemen and women.

• Tuesday, 25 April 2023
• Cross of Remembrance Memorial, Smithfield Memorial Gardens, Anderson Walk, Smithfield.
• 6am - Start

Elizabeth RSL 2023 ANZAC Day Dawn Service

• Tuesday, 25 April 2023
• 70 Midway Road, Elizabeth East SA 5112
• 6am - Start

For further information contact the Elizabeth RSL on 8255 7670.

One Tree Hill ANZAC Day Dawn Service

• Tuesday, 25 April 2023
• One Tree Hill Institute, 1009 Blacktop Road, One Tree Hill
• 6am - Start

For further information contact Graham Watson - President, One Tree Hill Progress Association at president@onetreehill.org.au

Once again, the faces of those who served in the First World War will feature as part of a light installation onto the wall of Windsor Carpark, on the corner of Main North Road and Philip Highway to commemorate ANZAC Day.

The projection will take place on Sunday 23 to Monday 24 April.