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8 facts about Anzac Day

Published:
23 Apr 2024
News
8 facts about Anzac Day

April 25 each year our nation pauses to remember the courage and sacrifice displayed by the ANZAC forces at Gallipoli. Here we delve into eight facts about ANZAC Day.

  1. In 1916, 25 April was officially named Anzac Day.

In 1916, the seeds of a national tradition were sown when 25 April was officially designated as Anzac Day. 

Prior to this, various dates saw commemorative services across Australia. However, the Australian government, recognising the growing national significance of the Gallipoli campaign, officially designated April 25 as "Anzac Day." 

This decision not only enshrined the date in national memory but also ensured a collective acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC troops. Interestingly, the push for a national day of remembrance is credited to journalist Charles Bean, a war correspondent who powerfully documented the ANZAC landing. His advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping ANZAC Day into the solemn and significant occasion it is today.

  1. There is no town called “Gallipoli.”

Gallipoli, though not a town itself, refers to a peninsula in modern-day Turkey that was strategically important during the war. The Allied forces, including Australians and New Zealanders, landed there in 1915 with the aim of capturing Constantinople (Istanbul) but faced fierce resistance from the Ottomans. Though a military failure, the Gallipoli Campaign became a defining moment for these nations, symbolising bravery and resilience. Today, Gallipoli is a place of remembrance with war memorials and cemeteries honoring soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

  1. The site where the Anzacs landed at Gallipoli was renamed Anzac Cove.

The initial landing spot for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in WWI was actually north of their intended target. This unforeseen turn of events placed them on a beach with steep cliffs and limited cover, resulting in an eight-month long Gallipoli Campaign. Fierce fighting and the establishment of a beachhead led to the cove becoming a location of strategic importance.

Originally Ari Burnu, it was renamed Anzac Cove in 1915 by General William Birdwood, commander of the ANZAC forces, in recognition of their tenacity and sacrifice.

  1. The Anzacs were all volunteers.

Unlike many nations in World War I, Australia and New Zealand’s forces at Gallipoli were not the result of conscription. The ANZAC troops who fought bravely at Gallipoli and throughout the war were all volunteers, driven by a sense of duty and patriotism. This fact adds another layer of significance to Anzac Day, as it highlights the immense commitment and sacrifice made by these individuals who freely chose to fight for their countries. Regardless of the reasons that drove WWI, the Anzacs reflected the courage and commitment of soldiers who fought as much for each other as their countries. 

  1. The first dawn service for Anzac Day was in 1923.

The tradition of the Anzac Day dawn service, now a cornerstone of Australian and New Zealand remembrance, has its roots not long after the Gallipoli Campaign itself. While the first official service wasn't held until 1928, smaller gatherings began as early as 1923. These early dawn services likely stemmed from a desire by veterans to commemorate the anniversary of the landings at a time that mirrored the soldiers' own experiences on that fateful day. The tradition quickly gained popularity, evolving into the respectful and poignant ceremonies we see today.

  1. Contrary to popular belief, the original Anzac biscuit was not part of soldier’s rations.

While sometimes referred to as "Anzac wafers," the crumbly and beloved Anzac biscuit we know today wasn't actually on-the-ground sustenance for Anzac soldiers in World War I. Back then, troops received the standard army biscuit – a notoriously hard "ship's biscuit" more likely to break teeth than provide comfort. There's some evidence that oat-based biscuits were sent to soldiers on the Western Front, but these weren't a widespread phenomenon. The Anzac biscuit we enjoy today emerged later, likely baked at home and sent by families or sold at fundraising events to support the war effort.

  1. Thousands make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to commemorate Anzac Day.

The Gallipoli Dawn Service at Anzac Cove attracts thousands of attendees each year. There have been reports of recent increases, with some services exceeding 1,500 attendees – the highest in years. Descendants of ANZAC soldiers, veterans, dignitaries, and everyday Australians and New Zealanders all make the pilgrimage to Gallipoli to pay their respects. This reflects the growing significance of Anzac Day as a National Day of Commemoration, not just for veterans but for anyone wanting to connect with their country’s wartime history.

  1. The last surviving Anzac was Alec Campbell who died on May 16, 2002

Anzac Day holds even greater significance due to the story of Alec Campbell, the last surviving soldier who served at Gallipoli. Campbell, just 16 when he enlisted, endured the harsh realities of the campaign. His passing in 2002 marked the end of an era, a tangible connection to the event's human cost. His life served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Anzacs, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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How to get a government job in law: everything you need to know

Embarking on a legal career in local, state, or federal government can be an exciting move. There are many pathways for development, a broad range of practice areas, and often a healthy work-life balance. These roles are highly rewarding, and highly competitive, the College of Law tells you everything you need to know about landing a government job in law.

The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

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The legal ramifications of the Queen’s death are surprisingly small

We talk to the College of Law’s Adrian Deans, Academic Policy & Quality, James Crittenden, Head of Short Courses and CPD, and Lewis Patrick, Chief Academic Officer, about some of the pragmatic impacts of the Queen’s passing on the law and Australian legal profession.

3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

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3 Key Insights from the State of Separation Impact Report: Making Separation Simpler

Parting ways in a relationship is never easy, and family lawyers are generally the first professional separating couples encounter when they end a relationship. For all of these reasons Angela Harbinson created The Separation Guide, which aims to make separation and divorce simpler, more manageable and less stressful.

Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

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Kyiesha Faulkner: How the Indigenous Business Handbook is transforming lives

Starting a business is never easy. What step should you take first? How do you negotiate the ins and outs of your legal requirements if you’re not a lawyer? Even for a seasoned lawyer these steps are complicated…And what if you also face unique cultural considerations and complexities?

Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

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Self-awareness: The surprising foundation to a thriving legal career

There’s no doubt the legal sector can be an intense work environment. Thanks to heavy caseloads and fierce competition, lawyers and other legal professionals are facing stress, anxiety and burnout on a concerning scale. But according to executive transition coach and CEO at Lucent Global, Ellie Scarf, it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s one tool that can help you manage a plethora of professional challenges. That tool? Self-awareness.

5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

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5 tips on how to avoid common ethical breaches for lawyers with Athol Opas

The law is a complex field heavily reliant on knowledge, interpretation and advice. This makes for a profession that can have far reaching consequences and, as a result, lawyers are held to high standards. Athol Opas presents annual ethics updates to firms to keep them abreast of recent cases of misconduct and/or common ethical breaches. We spoke to Athol to find out about the most common ethical breaches lawyers should be mindful of and to gain his top tips on complying within ethical obligations. 

What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

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What are the top negligence claims facing lawyers today?

The College of Law investigates which legal practice areas are most at risk of negligence claims and why. We spoke to Lawcover’s Legal Risk Manager Glenda Carry about the practice areas most affected by negligence claims, what behaviours can lead to adverse claims by clients, and what risk mitigation strategies law practices can put in place.

5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

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5 steps to stand out as a lawyer: Get ahead of the legal competition

How do you stand out in Australia's competitive legal market, filled with talented solicitors? We spoke with Shona Rowan, a people and culture consultant, high-performance coach, and bestselling author, about what it takes to rise above the rest. Here, she shares five expert steps to help lawyers reach their full professional potential.

5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

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5 tips on taking your legal career overseas and to new heights!

Do you fantasise about foreign cities, buzzing cultures and access to connected world hubs? As a lawyer you are well placed to explore these very things and expand your career lens. Helen Tung, barrister, senior counsel and teaching fellow at the College of Law, has led an impressive legal career working across the UK, UAE, America, Australia and Japan. We asked Helen for her advice to lawyers wanting to take their legal careers to the world stage.

Top 10 Most Expensive Legal Settlements in History

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Top 10 Most Expensive Legal Settlements in History

Billion-dollar companies who fall foul of the law, or billionaires who fall foul of a spouse, can result in eye-watering legal settlements. In the case of class actions, financial payouts can be a major way to provide recompense and right wrongs. Here is our top 10 list of the most expensive settlements in history… costly class actions, pharmaceutical payouts and extravagant divorces.

The Road to Becoming a Company Secretary

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The Road to Becoming a Company Secretary

There is no shortage of reasons to hire a law graduate for a job that isn't solely legally focussed. Among the new lawyers graduating from law school every year are some of our generation’s best, brightest and most hard-working prospective employees and it’s not just law firms that are sitting up and taking notice.

Creating a Strategic Plan For Your Law Firm

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Creating a Strategic Plan For Your Law Firm

Sue-Ella Prodonovich of Prodonovich Advisory shares her tips for creating a solid business strategy for your law firm. 

How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

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How lawyer Brid Heffernan went from Irish recession to a career in legal transformation

Brid Heffernan has grown through legal recruitment, litigation ops and support, and legaltech - the quintessential business of law. We caught up with Brid to trace her unlikely and impressive trajectory and experience with The College of Law.

Emerging issues in business law: cyber, data and crime

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Emerging issues in business law: cyber, data and crime

Cambridge Analytica’s use of Facebook user data – and how it may have influenced the last American election – raised once again the issue of how well our data is protected online.

Struggling to execute your business strategy? This could be why

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Struggling to execute your business strategy? This could be why

Kristen Podagiel, Business Strategy Teaching Fellow, talks about how you can ensure your firm execute the business strategy as intended. 

Meet Bendigo Legal Practice Manager Michelle McCarthy, and Master of Legal Business Student

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Meet Bendigo Legal Practice Manager Michelle McCarthy, and Master of Legal Business Student

Learn why legal practice manager Michelle McCarthy chose The College’s legal business subjects to improve her firm’s operations and client services

More like a mentorship than a degree" – Max Williams, de Groots Wills and Estates Lawyers

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More like a mentorship than a degree" – Max Williams, de Groots Wills and Estates Lawyers

Max recounts his path to discovering his passion in Wills and Estates – and how the College of Law helped him along the way.

Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

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Thriving through an LLM and Specialist Accreditation: Meet Carmel Morrison

Learn how Carmel Morrison returned to study with an LLM, and Specialist Accreditation.

Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

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Considering taking your legal career to the UK? Here’s how.

Qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales is now easier than ever, with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) presenting an alternative to the often-restrictive Legal Practice Course route. Furthermore, Australia is now on the list of countries where qualified lawyers can apply for an exemption for the SQE2. Alice Payne, Head of Business Development and Marketing at The College of Legal Practice explains how.

Top 5 Legal Practice Management Trends for 2023

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Top 5 Legal Practice Management Trends for 2023

Cybersecurity, major data breaches and privacy reform are all on the table as we size up 2023.  For those who manage law firms, tightening security is top of the agenda. Here at the College of Law we have assessed the top legal practice management trends for 2023.   

Meet Alexandra Brand, Senior Associate and Legal Business Graduate

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Meet Alexandra Brand, Senior Associate and Legal Business Graduate

Learn why senior associate Alexandra Brand studied legal business subjects to improve her knowledge of marketing, pricing, strategy, and client service.

5 must-have CPD courses for sole practitioners

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5 must-have CPD courses for sole practitioners

Running your own law firm isn’t for the faint-hearted. Yes, you’re your own boss. But with great power comes great responsibility. And that means wearing a lot of hats.  

Let’s unpack 5 of the most important skills – and corresponding on-demand CPD courses – that sole practitioners can’t do without.

 

How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

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How John Poulsen is redefining success for lawyers

John Poulsen, founder of People, Passion and Performance, was once a top solicitor and leader of law firms. Starting his career in 1984 and now nearly 40 years later, he left behind the luxury and stress. Now, he's happier than ever. We spoke with John about his journey and his mission to redefine success.

Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

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Postgraduate Specialisation Programs - Celebrating the success of our spring graduates

We congratulate and celebrate the success of the most recent graduates of our Postgraduate Specialisation Programs. These achievements demonstrate the culmination of hard work, diligence and commitment to mastery of their chosen area of law.

Understanding Priority Notices: Property Law Practice Update

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Understanding Priority Notices: Property Law Practice Update

Priority Notices are a relatively new feature in Real Property that property lawyers need to work with, and as such, they are not always well understood. Here to demystify how Priority Notices work, how they came about, and when and how to use them is property lawyer Greg Stilianou.

‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study

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‘It expedited my career in succession law by a decade’ – Craig Gregson TEP on postgraduate study

What does it take to become one of the country’s top-performing specialist lawyers? 

According to Craig Gregson – who consistently snags a spot in Doyle’s Guide for his work in Wills and Estates – a healthy dose of ambition is key. And so is plenty of quality education. 

Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the Last 40 Years

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Top 10 Most Influential Court Cases of the Last 40 Years

To mark our 40th anniversary, The College of Law recently ran a survey asking for your view on the top 10 most influential High Court of Australia cases over the last 40 years. The responses you provided us showcased a range of landmark cases, spanning from Indigenous land rights, to clashes between territory and Commonwealth, to the David-vs-Goliath legal struggles of refugees.

What are the legal implications of the Voice?

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What are the legal implications of the Voice?

Throughout the 2023 referendum, some have expressed uncertainty over the legal impact and implications of the Voice. We spoke to Associate Professors Elisa Arcioni and Andrew Edgar of the University of Sydney Law School to gain clarity over how the Voice came about, what it can (and can’t) do, and what legal practitioners need to know about the Voice.

Where Law Can Take You – Working Abroad for Legal Practitioners

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Where Law Can Take You – Working Abroad for Legal Practitioners

For many lawyers, the idea of working overseas can seem like a daunting prospect. A career in law can often be limited by the regions in which your qualification allows you to practice, while at a glance many foreign economies can seem more precarious than Australia for a lawyer. However, for those brave and enterprising enough, the fruits of overseas legal opportunities can be bountiful.

What are the essential traits that make a good mediator? The answer might surprise you

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What are the essential traits that make a good mediator? The answer might surprise you

While lawyers possess an impressive arsenal of skills those required in mediation aren’t necessarily what you think. We spoke to Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Alternative Dispute Resolution Academic of the Year, the College of Law’s Linda Kochanski, on what makes for a great mediator, the skills you need, and personalities that fit - and, at times, don’t naturally fit - mediation. 

The Justice League - Five of Australia's Best Past and Present Judges

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The Justice League - Five of Australia's Best Past and Present Judges

Insights brings you a handful of Australia’s best and brightest judges to help you pass your verdict if you are still undecided.

Change is coming to e-Conveyancing ELNOs, says Greg Stilianou

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Change is coming to e-Conveyancing ELNOs, says Greg Stilianou

Every conveyancer and property lawyer has become a master of an ELNO - or Electronic Lodgment Network Operator. PEXA was the first ELNO allowed to operate in Australia, its stronghold, however, looks set to change with updates to the Operating Requirements and Participation Rules introducing interoperability provisions. Competitors like Sympli will be able to compete more meaningfully. We spoke to experienced property lawyer and college lecturer Greg Stilianou to find out what property lawyers and conveyancers need to know. 

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