The Centenary of Anzac 2014 to 2018 was an important period of national commemoration for Australia. Marking 100 years since our involvement in World War I, the Anzac Centenary was a time to honour the service and sacrifice of our original ANZACs, and the generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and freedoms, in wars, conflicts and peace operations throughout a Century of Service.
Through the Anzac Centenary national program, the Australian supported many commemorative, educational and cultural initiatives, including the:
- Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience travelling exhibition
- Century of Service – Australian commemorative program
- Century of Service – International commemoration program
- Gallipoli Symphony
Anzac Centenary activities were also delivered by state, territory and local governments, and business and community organisations.
One of the most important legacies that came from the Anzac Centenary was to improve community understanding and awareness of our wartime history, particularly for younger Australians.
The Anzac Centenary gave families, schools and communities an opportunity to start important conversations that will continue long after the national program concluded, ensuring an enduring and unifying legacy for current and future generations.
In late 2011, the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board and some advisory groups were established to provide strategic advice to the then Government on the national program for the Anzac Centenary 2014-2018. The Board provided its report to the Government of the time on 1 March 2013.
In 2010, on behalf of the Commission, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs enlisted the services of market research agency Colmar Brunton to conduct social research into, and gain an understanding of, the views, perceptions, knowledge and aspirations of the Australian people in relation to ‘Anzac’, commemoration and the impending centenary.
In 2011, further research was conducted regarding the views of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The Commission’s report was the first step in planning for the Centenary program. It includes recommendations covering the broad scope and shape of commemorative, educative and interpretive initiatives and activities for the commemorative program. It also suggested governance processes to support the program’s implementation.