A time to remember the past but also to honour the values of courage, mateship, and resilience that continue to define the Australian spirit.

4 Sept

2024

Battle for Australia Commemoration Service 2021

Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance.

Battle for Australia Day serves as a poignant reminder of the fierce battles fought in the Pacific theatre and the pivotal role Australia’s military and civilians played in defending its territory and contributing to the Allied victory.

It is one of three Government proclaimed wartime commemoration days – after Anzac Day (25 April) and Remembrance Day (11 November).

The first Wednesday in September was chosen to commemorate Battle for Australia Day – as it represents the first defeat of Japanese forces on land, which was the Battle of Milne Bay.

After campaigning by the RSL and Battle for Australia Commemoration Committee, the first official service took place in 2008. Since then, veterans, school students as well as members of the public have come to lay a wreath to honour the service and sacrifice of Australians and their allies.

2024 Battle for Australia Day Commemoration Service - Victoria

This service is held annually on the first Wednesday in September and recognises the men and women who drove back the Japanese advance in the Second World War.

Date:

Wednesday, 4 September 2024

Guest of honour:

CAPT Ben Favelle CSC RAN, Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus – Read more

Fly past:

Two PC-21s from East Sale.

Location:

Second World War ForecourtShrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria.

Details:

Admission is free | Wheelchair accessible | Child-friendly

Transport:

Bus transport arrangements available – contact us for further information.

Download 2024 Battle for Australia Day Commemoration Order of Service

The Battle for Australia – Other important days of commemoration

Australia's calendar of remembrance includes a number of officially gazetted days formally recognised by the Australian Government, including significant dates relating to Australia’s critical engagement in the war in the Pacific.

Bombing of Darwin Day

Darwin Commemorative Service 2024

The Bombing of Darwin Day is commemorated every year on 19 February and marks a significant moment in Australian history when the city of Darwin was first bombed by Japanese forces during World War II.

To this day, this action remains the largest and most devastating modern attack by a foreign power on mainland Australia.

The annual observance of the Darwin bombing serves as a reminder of the direct threats faced by Australia during World War II, but also as a day of recognition for the sacrifices made by both Australian and allied service personnel and civilians. The day includes wreath-laying ceremonies and a moment of silence at 9:58am, the exact time the first bombs fell on the city of Darwin, and

Read more

Victory in the Pacific Day

Victory in the Pacific Day

Victory in the Pacific Day, often referred to as VP Day, marks the end of World War II in the Pacific theatre, when Japan's acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender was officially announced on August 15, 1945 and Australia's Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, announced that the war was over.

VP Day is commemorated across Australia and the world as the anniversary of the day World War II ended

While Victory in Europe Day – or VE Day – signalled the end of almost 6 years of terrible fighting between the Allies and Nazi Germany on 8 May 1945, celebrations as a whole were dampened by the knowledge that the war in the Pacific was still to be won.

It’s a special time for us to reflect on the important role that Australians played to end the war in the Pacific region, and also on the resilience and unity that emerged during these challenging times, shaping modern Australian identity and its commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Read more

Other Commemoration Days

There are  national services and activities each year to commemorate some of the most significant moments in our military history. You can find more information on other commemoration days in Australia here.