Australians mark Remembrance Day with services honouring fallen soldiers

Thousands of people across the country have gathered to take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies, honouring those who died serving in conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

This year's Remembrance Day marks the 108-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I — a conflict that claimed the lives of 60,000 Australians.

Ceremonies across the country shared a minute's silence at 11am to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 — the moment guns fell silent across the Western Front and the war ended.

In Canberra, the national ceremony at the Australian War Memorial was attended by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, Federal Nationals MP Michael McCormack — who represented the leader of the federal opposition, and Defence Force Chief Admiral Mark Hammond.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Australian defence personnel in Singapore on his way to COP31 in Türkiye.

Australian Army Chaplain Kelly Horne, who helped to train Ukrainian soldiers for the front line, gave the commemorative address at the Australian War Memorial, honouring the fallen Australian soldiers who "paid the ultimate sacrifice".

"On Remembrance Day, we remember to remember," she said.

The chaplain said the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour listed 103,140 names of Australians who had died in conflict.

At Sydney's Martin Place Cenotaph, hundreds gathered as an F-35A Lightning II Aircraft flew overhead to mark the start of the ceremony.

New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley, Premier Chris Minns, and federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek were among the dignitaries, veterans and serving Australian Defence Force members who laid wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph.

Royal Australian Navy Rear Admiral Anita Williams gave the centrepiece address, in a speech which focused on the relevance of past conflicts, including those now beyond living memory.

"Because memory fades … sacrifice can become something we acknowledge without truly understanding," she said.

"Those who served carried the burden of defending Australia. The duty remembrance asks of us is far simpler — Not merely to remember their sacrifice, but to honour it. To prove worthy of it."

Tasmanians have marked Remembrance Day with services around the state, including at the Hobart Cenotaph.

Unfortunately, the cannon failed to fire after the Ode of Remembrance.

Retired Colonel Ross Byrne told the assembled crowd it was a day to honour those who had served and reflect on the cost of war and conflict.

Among those laying wreaths were the Tasmanian Governor Caroline Wells and Hobart's new Lord Mayor Charles Wooley.

Governor Wells said the service was more than just a commemoration of a past peace.

"Remembrance Day is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy in this country has been paid for with blood, that peace has been purchased with sacrifice, and the duty to protect both rests now with us."

In a statement issued overnight, the prime minister said Remembrance Day was a chance to honour all those who have fought and died in service of Australia.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor, in a statement, said today was a chance for Australians to honour all who had served, suffered, and sacrificed for the nation in wars and military operations.

Mr Taylor paid tribute to his own grandfather who served in World War I, and his wife's grandfather who served in World War II.