From 2014 to 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary – 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War. During this time we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

The Anzac Centenary is about respectfully honouring all men and women of the Australian Defence Force – past and present – while creating a lasting legacy for all Australians.

The Anzac Centenary is a program of national significance and at the first meeting of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board on 14 October 2011, the Board resolved that a motif for the Anzac Centenary should be developed for consideration by Government.
The Board is comprised of eminent Australians, including business and community leaders and chaired by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d) – former Chief of the Defence Force.

The development of a motif was also proposed by the National Commission on the Commemoration of the Anzac Centenary, which included former Prime Ministers the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser, PC, AC, CH and the Honourable Bob Hawke, AC.  In its report to Government the Commission recommended “…an instantly recognisable motif…that conveys an overall theme should be attached to the centenary program.”

Highly-regarded motifs have been developed for similar programs such as the 1995 commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Australia Remembers.

Any motif representing the commemorative period needs to have wide resonance, be readily understood by a broad cross section of the community and appropriately reflect the significance of the Centenary.

Consultation was held in both regional parts of the country along with capital cities, and consisted of the public, current serving personnel and veterans.