ANZAC Day celebrated in Macau

An important commemorative event for Australia and New Zealand was marked in Macau over the weekend, as the community gathered to observe ANZAC Day on April 25.

The annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service was held on April 25 at the Grand Hyatt. The Australian Chamber of Commerce Macau organized a reception on Friday evening at Frites Macau, followed by the traditional dawn service on Saturday morning.

At the service, members of the Australian and New Zealand communities from across the Greater Bay Area gathered to lay wreaths, place poppies, and offer prayers in honor of those who lost their lives in war.

Dr. Billy Chan, chairman of AustCham Macau, said the occasion holds deep significance for both nations. “The day has important meaning for the relationship between Australia and New Zealand, particularly in commemorating fallen soldiers. These men and women made the ultimate sacrifice across conflicts, and on Saturday our communities came together to honor the enduring ANZAC spirit and the friendship between our nations. We are proud to have approximately 2,000 Australian citizens living and working in Macau.”

Also attending the dawn service were Australian Consul Clayton Balmain, Australian Federal Police Consul Mary Bolton, and New Zealand Consul Richard Wilson, accompanied by Alison Wilson. The ceremony was described as both moving and dignified.

This year’s commemorations marked 111 years since the landing at Gallipoli Campaign on April 25, 1915 – a defining moment of World War I. More than 10,000 ANZAC troops lost their lives during the nine-month campaign, part of a broader Allied force of over 75,000 soldiers, many of them under 18.

The courage and sacrifice displayed during the campaign continue to resonate, serving as a lasting reminder of the duty to honor those who came before.