ANZAC DAY MARCH MOVES TO ELIZABETH STREET

Sydney’s traditional Anzac Day march through the CBD will for the first time run down Elizabeth Street this year, leading those who take part directly to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance and Minister for Veterans Affairs David Elliott today said the change of route for the march will ensure participants and onlookers can continue to pay their respects, and will also accommodate construction and future operation of the CBD and South East Light Rail.

“George Street is changing and we have to cater for that, so we’ve worked closely with the RSL to ensure we prepare for change and make available the best possible location for the march, one that’s easy for participants to access and allows for the growing crowds we’re seeing each and every year,” Mr Constance said.

“As we pause to remember the service and sacrifice of our military personnel, the annual Anzac Day march will again provide Australians the opportunity to be part of this traditional Act of Remembrance,” Mr Elliott said.

“I am sure that the respect shown by Sydneysiders will not be diminished by the amended route and am delighted that, for the first time in living memory, the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park will form part of the procession.”

Mr Constance also reinforced the need to use public transport if heading to the City for Anzac Day.

“It’s important for those attending the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph and the March in the CBD to remember that we’re expecting more than 20,000 participants in the March and thousands of observers and with road closures and clearways in place, it’s best to leave the car at home,” Mr Constance said.

“There will be additional train and bus services and participants and observers are reminded that the best access to the Dawn Service and Sunset Service is via St James, Wynyard and Martin Place stations, while the best access to Hyde Park is via St James, Town Hall and Museum stations.

“Travel on public transport to and from Anzac Day events is free for current and ex-Australian Defence Force personnel in uniform, wearing their medals or have proof of military service. Veteran’s families, carers, widows and widowers also travel free.

“Those travelling via bus should be prepared that there will be some diversions due to road closures and temporary stops may be used while roads are closed.”

NSW RSL State President Mr Rod White said that the new route would not adversely affect the service or tradition of the March and that organisers had worked closely with Transport for NSW to develop an alternative solution.

“While it is no longer practical for us to march past the Cenotaph in Martin Place, we will now observe the Act of Remembrance on the command “eyes left” as we pass the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park,” Mr White said.

“This means the route along Elizabeth Street will allow the March to continue as a solemn March of Remembrance.

“This year marks the centenary of commemorating Anzac Day in Sydney, and I hope the people of Sydney make the special effort to come into the city to honour those who lost their lives defending their country, and those who returned from service.”

Transport and traffic changes for Anzac Day include:

• Extra early-morning trains and buses will be running for the Dawn Service. Sydney CBD roads will be closing from 2am, so leave the car at home and take public transport.
• More Sydney CBD roads will close between 3am and 4pm on Monday 25 April for the Anzac Day Dawn Service and March. Visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701 for all the details.
• Temporary bus terminals and diversions will be in place between 3am and 4pm due to the road closures.
• Sydney bus services that normally travel on Elizabeth Street will divert via Wentworth Avenue, College Street and Macquarie Street.
• Services will start and end on Macquarie Street near Martin Place.
• Go to transportnsw.info or call 131 500 to plan your trip on public transport.

Commemoration activities are happening all across NSW. Visit centenaryofanzac.nsw.gov.au to find out about more.