2026 ANZAC Day Dawn Service

On Saturday, 25 April 2026, the Walkerville RSL held an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Walkerville Memorial Gardens, supported by Town of Walkerville.

Mayor Melissa Jones gave a speech during the ceremony, acknowledging the veterans and military personnel in attendance, as well as giving thanks and remembrance to past servicemen and women.

During her speech, Mayor Jones also shared the story of a local man, George Dorricutt Shaw.

Shaw was the longest-serving officer of the ANZACs, landing on the very first day of the Gallipoli campaign, remaining there until the final evacuation.  Following Gallipoli, he went on to the Western Front in France and continued his service through to the end of the First World War, returning to Australia in 1918. During the Second World War, he once again stepped forward to serve his country, this time as Commissioner of Civil Defence in South Australia.

Following his military service, George Shaw went on to become the first president of the Walkerville RSL, serving from 1927 to 1930, and the Mayor of Walkerville, serving from 1946 to 1948. Shaw's legacy is not only one of military achievement, but of lifelong service to his country and to his community.

The event was well attended by the local community.

Following the event, a gunfire breakfast was held at the Walkerville RSL Clubrooms on Walkerville Terrace. The breakfast was catered by the Rotary Club of Walkerville.