Gosnells expands Anzac Day commemorations
Published on 20 February 2026
The City of Gosnells will expand its ANZAC Day commemorations in 2026, delivering a three-day program of events designed to honour the significance of the day and strengthen community participation across generations.
Recognising the importance of ANZAC Day, the City has introduced four special events at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC) from Thursday 23 April to Saturday 25 April.
The program complements the Gosnells RSL’s Dawn Service, March and Gunfire Breakfast, which remain the foundation of local commemorations.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said the expanded program reflects the City’s commitment to preserving and promoting the ANZAC legacy.
“ANZAC Day is a defining element of our national story”, Mayor Lynes said.
“By expanding our commemorations, we are creating more opportunities for the community to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and service of Australian and New Zealand service personnel, while ensuring these stories continue to resonate with future generations.”
The DRPAC program includes:
• A stage production of 21 Hearts telling the story of Vivian Bullwinkel, the sole survivor of the Banka Island massacre during World War II. It will be performed by Theatre 180 at 7pm on Thursday 23 April.
• Personal stories of soldiers from the region, presented by distinguished military historian and local author Neville Browning, followed by a screening of the film Gallipoli at 10am on Friday 24 April.
• A special Art With a Glass acrylic guided painting workshop called Poppies at 7pm on Friday 24 April, with artist Geraldine Gustavino.
• Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at War, presented by Fred Smith at 7.30pm on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April.
Mayor Lynes said broadening the program would encourage reflection, education and intergenerational understanding.
“Extending our ANZAC events ensures the spirit of remembrance remains strong within our community,” Mayor Lynes said.
The City’s Anzac events are presented by the City of Gosnells and DRPAC and proudly sponsored by SDA Compass.
Tickets to all DRPAC Anzac events will be available on Monday 23 February 2026 from gosnells.wa.gov.au.
Veteran Card holders are eligible for a 50% discount to Art with a Glass and free entry to Unforgotten. Contact the Box Office to register your card details.
Event details – 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of Vyner Brooke
Date: Thursday 23 April
Time: 7pm
Location: Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC), Murdoch Road, Thornlie
Ages: Suitable for ages 10+
Tickets: $39 standard, $34 concession
gosnells.wa.gov.au or at the DRPAC Box Office on 9498 9414
Event details – Neville Browning and Gallipoli screening
Date: Friday 24 April
Time: 10am
Location: Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC), Murdoch Road, Thornlie
Tickets: Free, registration required
gosnells.wa.gov.au or at the DRPAC Box Office on 9498 9414
Event details – Art with a Glass Poppies
Date: Friday 24 April
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC), Murdoch Road, Thornlie
Tickets: $40, includes all materials. Veteran Card holders eligible for 50% discount.
gosnells.wa.gov.au or at the DRPAC Box Office on 9498 9414
Event details – Unforgotten: Songs of Australians at War
Date: Saturday 25 April
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Don Russell Performing Arts Centre (DRPAC), Murdoch Road, Thornlie
Ages: Suitable for ages 15+
Tickets: $29 standard, $24 concession. Veteran Card holders free.
gosnells.wa.gov.au or at the DRPAC Box Office on 9498 9414