- Published:
- Monday 20 October 2025 at 3:00 pm
Every year since its opening in 1934, the Victorian public has come together at the Shrine of Remembrance on 11 November to pause, reflect and remember lives lost and changed forever in war and peacekeeping eff orts. As Victoria’s home of commemoration, the Shrine stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring sacrifice and courage of those who have served. This Remembrance Day is particularly poignant, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
As part of the Shrine’s dedication to highlighting untold stories of service, the HERStory exhibition, opening Saturday 1 November, explores the real lives of female Victorian veterans across generations and services through photographic portraits and interviews by Carla Edwards.
A new tradition, now in its second year, Commemoration in Concert will take place on Sunday 9 November and evoke the era of the Second World War with music from the 1930s and 40s. Drawing on much-loved musical ceremonies in the UK and hosted by Shrine Governor, conductor and retired Squadron Leader, Matt Little, this free concert features performances by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Royal Australian Navy Band of beloved classics like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Hymn to the Fallen and the White Cliffs of Dover.
On Tuesday 11 November, the State Remembrance Day Service will feature the traditional one minute’s silence, an address by the Governor of Victoria, bugle calls, recital of The Ode and will conclude with the release of pigeons. This year’s ‘Reflection on Remembrance’ will be delivered by Victorian Multicultural Commission chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM.
The Shrine’s CEO, Dean Lee, says,
Remembrance Day is a moment for all Victorians to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice that have shaped our freedoms. It’s also a reminder of the values that unite us—community, empathy and compassion.
Victorian State Remembrance Day Service
Tuesday 11 November, 10:30-11.30am
Second World War Memorial Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance
All are welcome. Bookings are not required. Limited seating available.
Free public transport for veterans, war widows and current defence members.
Other ways to engage this year include the viewing of the Shrine and other iconic buildings lit up Red to Remember in unity, a webinar on the search for Australia’s WWII missing, and the launch of a new biography of Sir Weary Dunlop by bestselling author Peter FitzSimons.
This November 11, the Shrine encourages all Victorians to continue the unbroken tradition of a minute’s silence to remember those who have served in war and peacekeeping efforts throughout Australia’s history.
Key Dates
- 1 Nov-May 2026: HERStory exhibition
- 1-11 November: The Shrine of Remembrance lit ‘Red to Remember’ every evening
- 5 November: Webinar with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- 9 November: Commemoration in Concert
- 11 November: Victorian State Remembrance Day Service
- 11 November: Book launch, The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop
Media Enquires
The following spokespeople are available for interviews in the lead-up to and on Remembrance Day:
- Dean Lee (CEO, Shrine of Remembrance)
- Vivienne Nguyen AM (Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission)
- Matt Little (Shrine Governor, Conductor and Retired Squadron Leader)
- Select Victorian veterans featured in Her Story portraits are also available for interview.
For further info and interview requests, please contact Emily Laidlaw at emily@pitchprojects.com or 0432 190 002
Images
A selection of images are available here. More are available on request.
Media accreditation on Remembrance Day
Registrations are now open for media attendance at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Victorian State Remembrance Day Service, 11 November 2025.
Registration closes at 5pm on Thursday 6 November and passes must be collected between midday and 5pm on Friday 7 November.
Updated