Cockburn's Youth Anzac Parade Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Major Student Participation
Australia's largest youth Anzac parade and service is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year, with approximately 1300 students from 30 schools across Cockburn and Fremantle set to participate. The event will take place on April 22 in Spearwood, where students will assemble before marching down Spearwood Avenue to the RSL Memorial Park for a dedicated Anzac youth service.
Historical Significance and Student Leadership
The parade, which began in 2002, was inspired by similar concepts observed elsewhere in Australia by the RSL Cockburn sub-branch's patron, Arthur Stanton. Mr. Stanton emphasized the importance of allowing students to march as their forefathers did, stating, "I thought it was a brilliant idea to have all our schools to do the same." The event has grown significantly from its initial participation of 12 schools to now include institutions such as Atwell College, Emmanuel Catholic College, and South Coogee Primary.
Lilijana Nicholls, a member of the Cockburn Youth Advisory Collective, highlighted the event's value for young people. "The youth Anzac parade is an incredible opportunity for young people to come together and acknowledge the sacrifices made and lives lost at war," she said. "This year being the 25th anniversary is particularly exciting, and I'm honoured to be representing the collective with Eva to provide an address."
Event Details and Community Support
The parade will feature the Scotch College pipe band and the City of Cockburn pipe band, led by vehicles from the Veteran Military Vehicles Group. The service is largely student-led, with students handling readings and organizing the wreath-laying ceremony. The Seton College choir will perform the Australian and New Zealand national anthems.
Since around 2010, the event has received support from the Australian Defence Force, which provides a catafalque party and a defence officer for the Anzac address. Mr. Stanton commended the City of Cockburn mayor, councillors, events management team, and council youth coordinator for their ongoing support over the past 25 years.
Other Anzac Commemorations in the Region
Additional Anzac events are scheduled across nearby council areas:
- RSLWA's Applecross sub-branch is organizing a march and service on April 19 at the City of Melville war memorial in Ardross, with a dawn service and gunfire breakfast on April 25.
- Fremantle council is hosting a day of reflection on April 25, including dawn and morning services, a poppy workshop, and a march from Pioneer Park.
- The Canning Districts RSL sub-branch will hold a dawn service on Wharf Street, followed by a march and wreath-laying service organized by the City of Canning.
- Claremont Park will host an annual ceremony with a commemorative address and complimentary breakfast.
Major Perth CBD Events for 2026
Key Anzac Day events in Perth's central business district include:
- A sunset service at Kings Park & Botanic Garden on April 24 at the Flame of Remembrance.
- A dawn service and barbecue breakfast at the State War Memorial on April 25.
- The Anzac March on St George's Terrace from 9am to 10:30am, followed by a service at St George's Cathedral.
- Mateship Lane on Irwin Street, featuring a licensed bar, live entertainment, and traditional two-up games.
These commemorations underscore the enduring significance of Anzac Day, particularly through youth engagement and community-wide participation in honoring military history and sacrifices.
