News_

Remembering the Anzacs from home

14 April 2020
With dawn services cancelled, how can you still pay your respects?
Anzac Day services have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, but April 25 is still the perfect time to learn and reflect and even enjoy a special live-streamed carillon performance.

Across Australia traditional Anzac Day dawn services have been cancelled leaving people wondering how they will pay their respects this year. Tune into a live online-stream from our carillon bells, dig deeper into the stories behind the heroes, swat up your commemorative bell trivia or download a conversation to give you a new perspective on sacrifice.

For whom the bell tolls

This year you can join us from the comfort and safety of your own home for a live-streamed event as our University Carillonist, Amy Johansen, plays a special Anzac Day concert entitled “Bells of Remembrance” on the University of Sydney War Memorial Carillon.

From 6am  (AEST) on Anzac Day you will be able to watch the carillonist playing live and listen to a selection of Anzac-themed music, including Abide with me, I vow to thee my country and The Dam Busters’ March, and concluding with The Last Post and Advance Australia Fair.

Join the live event by selecting 'Live now' on our YouTube channel from 6am  (AEST) on Saturday 25 April 2020. 

The University of Sydney War Memorial Carillon was dedicated on Anzac Day in 1928 to commemorate the 197 undergraduates, graduates and staff who died in the First World War. But there’s more to know about this University icon.

Crowd watching the bells arrive

The carillon bells arriving at the University and being installed. Image reference: the University of Sydney archives

Delve into lives from the past

Beyond 1914 — The University of Sydney and the Great War is an extensive, searchable database of biographies and archival information about members of the University community involved in the First World War.

Complied using information provided to the University between 1916 and 1938 by more than 2000 former staff, students, graduates and their families, the archive uses personal diaries, war service records, photographs, letters, postcards, songbooks and Christmas and condolence cards to give a deeper picture of the lives of our wartime community.

You can also read the story of graduate Robert 'Jack' Massie who sacrificed a blossoming sporting career to fight in World War One.

Active listening

Not much of reader (or eyes too tired from time-eating movie marathons)? We’ve got you covered. Check out our collection of Anzac-related podcasts:

Say it with food

Maximise your access to the kitchen while reflecting on the lives of the Anzacs by making some delicious Anzac biscuits – some Food and Agribusiness students share their recipe for a traditional biscuit with a special Aussie twist.    

Related news