The Kingston foreshore provides another venue to mark Anzac Day and recognise military servicemen and women from Australia and New Zealand. Photo: The Dock Kingston.
The largest Anzac Day crowd in Canberra is, of course, found at the Australian War Memorial. Thousands come together at the national institution every year for its annual dawn service and veterans’ march.
But there’s another venue holding space for Australian and New Zealand military personnel this 25 April, set on the beautiful Kingston foreshore.
Popular watering hole The Dock has proudly broadcast the Anzac Day dawn service since 2020 when COVID lockdown prevented in-person gatherings.
Five years later, it has become tradition for locals to stand by the water and recognise the dawn service amidst a sea of candles.
Co-owner of The Dock Glen Collins, alongside Wallaby legend Ben Alexander, says connection to Anzac Day is important to every community.
“We contacted foreshore residents during the pandemic and invited them to stand on their balconies so they could listen to our dawn service broadcast,” Glen says.
“Many of our regulars at the pub are servicemen and women, and their family members. We wanted them to be able to connect on Anzac Day despite restrictions.
“We saw an opportunity to make it happen safely, and we took it. The rest is history.”
Now one of The Dock’s busiest days of the year, 25 April remains a permanent fixture on the calendar for staff and patrons.
The Dock will proudly acknowledge its sixth dawn service with some expansions to the usual schedule.
Ahead of what the team expects to be its biggest Anzac Day yet, the beer garden will extend to almost double its usual size.
“Our dawn service broadcast starts at 5:30 am. Little Bean & Co will have a coffee van stationed nearby from 5 am and we will provide heaters, candles and Anzac biscuits,” Glen says.
“Running for Resilience starts at 6:30 am in honour of ADF past and present servicemen and women. After the run or walk, you can come back to us for a hearty breakfast.”
A mental health running group born on the foreshore in 2019, Running for Resilience (R4R) holds runs a few times a week. Its heartfelt goal: making Canberra suicide-free by 2033.
But the day doesn’t stop after breakfast. Two-up games start at noon, which Glen says will be full of energy and lots of laughs.
The Dock will observe a one-minute silence at 3 pm with The Last Post performed by Elsa Guile.
Live music with Marty kicks off at 6 pm, running until late.
Glen says everyone is welcome this Anzac Day. Simply rock up, find a space and join in. Pets are also welcome.
“We are partnering with Soldier On Australia again this year, raising funds and awareness for the wellbeing of ADF personnel and their families.
“Feel free to donate directly on the day or play a game of two-up to contribute. We will also be selling merchandise.
“No matter who you are or where you’re from, there’s a space for you here with us on Anzac Day. We’re looking forward to seeing all our regulars there along with new faces.”
The Dock will mark Anzac Day from 5:30 am until late next Friday, 25 April, 2025. Bookings available via The Dock, walk-ins also welcome at 7/81 Giles Street, Kingston.
