This November, Melburnians are invited to pause, reflect and commemorate at the Shrine of Remembrance through a series of free and ticketed events marking Remembrance Day 2025. From music and exhibitions to the State Service itself, the Shrine will offer multiple ways to honour those who served and sacrificed.
The Victorian State Remembrance Day Service will take place on 11 November from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Second World War Memorial Forecourt. The ceremony will include the traditional one minute’s silence, bugle calls, the recital of the ode and the symbolic release of pigeons. This year’s Reflection on Remembrance will be delivered by Victorian Multicultural Commission chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM. Admission is free.
Two days earlier, the Shrine will host Commemoration in Concert, featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Royal Australian Navy Band. Held on 9 November from 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm, this twilight performance will bring together stirring wartime classics and songs of reflection in a moving outdoor setting. Admission is free.
Running from 1 November to May 2026, the Her Story exhibition shines a light on the experiences of female Victorian veterans. Created by photographer Carla Edwards, the exhibition combines portraits and interviews that explore the lives of women who served across generations. Admission is free.
The program also includes a free webinar, The Search for Australia’s Second World War Missing, on 5 November, examining ongoing missions to locate and identify Australia’s fallen.
From 1–11 November, the Shrine and other Melbourne landmarks will glow red to remember those who served.
For more information, visit the Shrine’s website.
