Ballarat Commemorates the first ANZAC Day

On April 25th 1916 Ballarat like the rest of Australia commemorated the first anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.  In Ballarat  the first Anzac Day was a mix of public commemoration  and private grief as it was for the rest of the country.

The commemorative service in Ballarat consisted of each of the respective churches conducting a short service for those who wished to attend. At the conclusion of the church services a united service was held at the Soldiers Statute in Sturt St next to the Town Hall.

To allow as many people as possible the opportunity to attend one or more of the services businesses were asked if they could close their doors between 11.30 am and 1.30pm. The response was universal. To keep the service as solemn as possible trams were asked not to travel past the Soldiers Statute between 12.30 pm and 1.15 pm.

As a marke of respect flags on public buildings and businesses were lowered to half mast.

Despite the weather being cold and wet the  church services as well the service in Sturt St was very well attended by Ballarat citizens.

                        

Ballarat Star 26 April 1916