On 1 November 1914, Albany was the final departure point for the first ANZAC troops on their way to the battlefields of the First World War.

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Between 30 October and 2 November 2014, a series of spectacular and moving events were held in Albany to commemorate 100 years since the departure of the first convoy. Attended by 40,000 well-wishers including the Governor General and the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, the events were unanimously praised as a fitting and poignant tribute to the first Anzacs.

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Albany was the focus of special centenary events during the 2014-2018 commemorative period, but Albany's connection to the Anzac legend extends beyond this time. This is now one of Australia and New Zealand’s most significant pilgrimage destinations to experience the legend that shaped a nation.

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The Albany RSL continues to hold a number of memorial services throughout the year, including the Albany Anzac Day Dawn Service.