Before the Dawn: The hidden work behind an ANZAC Day service

In the cold silence of the pre-dawn light, the notes of a bugler warming up carry on the still air. Chairs scrape against the bitumen as dignitaries take their places; wreaths perched on their knees. Parents hold children who are still heavy with sleep, coats on over pyjamas and their grandfather’s medals pinned to their chest. 

The air is dense with anticipation but the crowd stills when Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch President Dan Grono steps onto the stage and utters the words, “Good morning everyone.”

ANZAC Day starts with an earlier rise than normal for most of the local community, but at Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch, this day began months ago.

“That moment always gives me goosebumps,” Vanessa Grey, Secretary of Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch, says.

“But really the work begins months before – we start planning the next one in June.”

Commemoration requires organisation

The ANZAC Day service is constantly evolving based on the feedback of the community, and the dedication of Sub Branch members who work around the clock to bring the service to life.

In 2025, the service exceeded its usual spot at the local bowls club with many unable to see the stage. This year, the Sub Branch will trial live streaming the service to a big screen, and if that’s successful, they will opt for multiple big screens in the future.

“We have to expand the service we’re providing to support the size of the crowd,” Dan explains.

Sub Branch President Dan Grono and Secretary Vanessa Grey 

The Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch ANZAC Day service has grown so much in recent years that members now collaborate with a number of community organisations.

“We talk to the local council, other community groups and the schools, and 2 CER organise our catafalque every year, so we check in with them as well,” Dan says.

Whilst most of the behind-the-scenes planning falls to both Dan and Vanessa, the whole Sub Branch pulls together in the weeks leading up to April 25.

“It’s not just one person; there’s a lot of people, a lot of volunteers involved,” Vanessa explains.

“We go to all the local schools, we talk to them about ANZAC Day and what it means, and we have stalls at the local shopping centres selling badges. It really reminds people how important this day is. Not just to veterans, but the whole community.”

Pressure starts to rise

As summer begins to slip into autumn, everything kicks into high gear at the Sub Branch. Vanessa has a spreadsheet to keep track of everything that needs to happen, with added time allowed for mission creep – a term former Loggie, Dan, uses often.

“I worked in logistics during my time in Defence, so I’m permanently early to everything. But I know not everyone’s the same, so we build in that extra time,” Dan shares.

That spreadsheet includes invitations to VIPs including Federal Member for Dickson, Ali France; ordering wreaths; and laminating absolutely everything – just in case. 

Members of the Sub Branch sell poppies in the lead-up to ANZAC Day

“Last year, I laminated everything except the run sheet with the wreath layers which was inside a folder, but it was pouring rain, so by the time Dan got to the third page, it was mush,” Vanessa recalls.

Dan says the logistics of creating and running a Dawn Service for more than 5,000 people can be stressful, but it’s a privilege.

“It’s our most chaotic day of the year, but it’s also the one that means the most because it recognises everyone.”

Before the dawn

Holding the ceremony at the local bowls club means there’s no rehearsal ahead of time. Instead, Dan and Vanessa brief the singer, the bugler and the padre, as well as the local schools and community groups to make sure everyone is on board.

This year, the team were excited to have a lone piper play for the crowd, but a last-minute change meant they had to pivot.

“I started those conversations in the middle of 2025, so it had been in the works for months,” Dan remembers.

The annual dawn service at Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch 

“It’s important to me to build on what was here before, to make it feel as special as it can be, so hopefully we can make that happen – if not this year, then for next year.”

When it comes to their volunteers, Dan and Vanessa trust their team to bring their vision to life.

“We have complete faith in them. They help us to keep the legacy alive," says Vanessa.

A place for everyone

As the sun rises over Moreton Bay and the crowds start to head home, the members of Bray Park-Strathpine Sub Branch can finally take a moment to reflect on a job well done.

But the true work happens every other day, working to make sure local veterans know they have support nearby and that everyone, no matter how or where they served, can access the support they need.

Remembrance Day at Bray Park-Strathpine RSL Sub Branch

“It’s so important for them to know they matter and they’re welcome here too. The RSL isn’t just for the older veterans, it’s for everyone.”