City of Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch
11 · 11 · 11
Remembrance Day
Honouring the service and sacrifice of Australians in all wars and conflicts.
The story behind the day
When the guns fell silent
In Australia and other Allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day—a day to remember those who died in the First World War. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries.
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minute’s silence is observed and dedicated to those soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.
From Armistice Day to Remembrance Day
After the Second World War, the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom’s proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those killed in both World Wars. Today, the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.
A world at war
The First World War mobilised more than 70 million people and left between nine and 13 million dead. As many as one-third had no grave. Allied nations chose this day and time to remember their war dead.
11 November 1918
At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The Allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months.
The significance of the hour
In November, the Germans called for an armistice—a suspension of fighting—in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted the Allied terms of unconditional surrender. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month became universally associated with remembering those who had died in the war.
Newcastle · Civic Park Cenotaph
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Remembrance Day Service
The City of Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch invites the community to gather at Civic Park to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Australian service personnel.
Service time
Indicative 11:00 am–12:00 pm. Final running order and timings to be confirmed.
Toilets
Civic Park and Newcastle City Hall.
Parking
On-street parking, plus Hunter Parking Station and King St Parking Station .
Accessible parking and access
Vehicles displaying disability parking permits can park at Queen St Car Park behind Newcastle Library. The walk to the event is approximately 180 metres via the Darby St and King St footpaths. Some surfaces are uneven, so please take care.
Accessible toilets
Civic Park and Newcastle City Hall.
Public transport
Check Newcastle Transport . Light rail runs from Newcastle Interchange to Newcastle Beach; ferries run from Stockton to Queens Wharf.
Remembrance Day program
The 2026 program and any special event details will be added once confirmed. Please check this page for updates.
A special service highlight
F-35A Lightning II flypast
A planned highlight of the service is a flypast by the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter A35-001, from RAAF Base Williamtown, flying east to west over Newcastle at 11:00 am.
A35-001 was among the first Australian F-35As to make the trans-Pacific journey from Luke Air Force Base, USA, to RAAF Base Williamtown in 2018.
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