Wednesday, 11th November 2026
Chris Picton MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
South Australians will gather at services and memorials across the state today to commemorate Remembrance Day, honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of generations of Australians who have served our nation.
At 11am, communities will unite in a minute’s silence to mark the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War in 1918, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice and acknowledging those who continue to serve.
More than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to our nation, with the impact of military service continuing to be felt by veterans, their families and communities.
Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on their extraordinary contribution and ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
This year’s commemorations come as the South Australian Government progresses plans to introduce nation-leading veterans’ legislation, strengthening recognition and support for the state’s 48,000 veterans and their families.
The proposed legislation will enshrine the State Government’s commitment to veterans and their families in law, establishing a lasting framework to guide future government action.
It will recognise the unique nature of military service and the contribution of veterans’ families, while setting out clear responsibilities to ensure their needs are considered in government policy, programs and services.
The legislation will be shaped through statewide consultation with veterans, their families and ex-service organisations, ensuring their voices and experiences are central to its development.
Commemorative services will be held across metropolitan and regional South Australia today, bringing communities together to pay their respects.
The 2026 Remembrance Day Service in Adelaide will commence at 10.45am at the South Australian National War Memorial, on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Chris Picton will join Australian Defence Force personnel, dignitaries and members of the community at the official State Service.
Following the service, a special ceremony will be held at the National War Memorial to unveil a new South Australian name on the memorial, Private Frederick Turner, who died in 1917 following contracting tuberculosis in England after answering his country’s call for service.
His omission on the memorial is being corrected after 100 years thanks to the work of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.
South Australians are encouraged to attend a local service, observe a minute’s silence at work or school, or take a quiet moment to reflect privately.
Information about local commemorations is available through local councils and Returned & Services League (RSL) branches across the state.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder of the extraordinary courage, commitment and sacrifice of generations of Australians who have served our nation.
We honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home forever changed by their service, and the families who have stood beside them.
Our responsibility extends beyond remembrance. We must ensure the service and sacrifice of our veterans is recognised, respected and supported, not just today, but every day.
That is why we are progressing nation-leading legislation to strengthen our commitment to South Australia’s 48,000 veterans and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognised for generations to come.
Today we also honour Private Frederick Turner who answered his country’s call in World War I and was one of so many who sadly died because of disease linked to answering the call of service to his country – and has been absent from our War Memorial for over 100 years.
Today, we stand together in gratitude and remembrance and reaffirm our commitment to preserving their stories and honouring their legacy.
Lest we forget.
Quotes attributable to Bianca Wheeler, Director, Veterans SA
Remembrance Day has always been personal for me. You think of the people you served alongside, and of the generations before them who set the standard, we strived to live up to. Remembrance is about honouring them by name, not just in number.
Remembrance isn’t only about the past. It’s about the present and the future, the families who carry the cost of service, and the veterans living and working in our communities today. Honouring service means valuing what they continue to contribute to South Australia.
Whether you’re at a local memorial, at work or at home, I’d encourage every South Australian to stop at 11am on Wednesday and pause for a minute’s silence. It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can say thank you.
