THE HON MATT KEOGH MP
Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
MEDIA RELEASE
30 December 2025
On 14 February 2026, National Servicemen’s Day, the Government will hold a National Commemorative Service in Canberra to mark 75 years since the inception of the 1951 National Service scheme.
The service will be held in the Great Hall at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra starting at 10:30 am.
More than 280,000 Australians were conscripted into Australia’s armed services through National Service schemes between 1951 and 1972. The schemes were a product of significant global and regional conflicts facing Australia following the Second World War.
Sadly, some 250 Australians lost their lives during this time of national service.
National service was compulsory for most of the young men who served, and this National Commemorative Service is an important opportunity for all Australians to come together to recognise the service and sacrifice of all Australia’s ‘Nashos’.
We owe them a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid.
I encourage anyone interested in attending the National Commemorative Service in Canberra to register their attendance for free via the DVA website.
The service will be broadcast nationally on the ABC and available to watch on ABC iView.
Australians can also honour our Nashos by sharing a personal reflection on DVA’s Wall of Remembrance.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Luke Rycken (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0482 131 831
DVA Media: [email protected]