RACV urges veterans to register for free ANZAC Day transport in century-old tradition

RACV and RSL Victoria are calling on veterans across the state to register for RACV's free, personalised transport service for the ANZAC Day Commemoration March on 25 April, with the organisations highlighting that many veterans are unaware the service exists.

RACV has supported veterans on ANZAC Day for more than a century. During World War One, RACV volunteers transported 93,330 returning soldiers and nurses from Princes Pier in Port Melbourne, a monumental effort carried out by a membership of just 1,400 people. That commitment continues today, with RACV employees and members volunteering their time and vehicles to ensure any veteran who needs assistance can take part in the March.

RACV General Manager Corporate Affairs Liz Carey is urging veterans not to miss out on the opportunity to march and to take up the free service from RACV.

"No veteran should miss the opportunity to be honoured by their community because of mobility issues or difficulties commuting to the March. This is a completely free, personalised service where veterans are matched with a dedicated volunteer driver who will pick them up from their home, transport them through the march from St. Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance, and drop them home at the end of the day," Ms Carey said.

"What began at Princes Pier over 100 years ago is very much alive today. RACV's commitment to returned service men and women is part of who we are. All veterans need to do is call RACV and we will take care of the rest."

The theme of this year's ANZAC Day March is Middle East Peacekeeping Operations, with RSL Victoria paying special tribute to the men and women who served in the First and Second Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.

Among those using the service this year is RSL Victoria 2026 ANZAC Day Ambassador, Suzy Wilson. Ms Wilson is a veteran of the First Gulf War, having served as a radio operator on HMAS Westralia in 1990-91. She was one of seven women who served on the ship, the first-time women had served in a combat zone for the Australian Defence Forces.

"It is a real honour to be named as an Ambassador for the 2026 ANZAC Day March. I have knee injuries from my service and without the support of RACV I would not have been able to take part in the March and represent all of the people who served in the First Gulf War on this important occasion," Ms Wilson said.

"I encourage any veteran who has difficulty marching because of their injuries or difficulties getting to the March to take up this free service and join with me on 25 April so that our service is not forgotten."

RSL Victoria President Mark Schroffel said the transport service offered in partnership with RACV is essential for the veteran community.

"Even many of our younger veterans carry physical injuries that make marching very difficult. This service is vital to ensure every veteran who wishes to take part can do so, whether they served in the Middle East, East Timor, Somalia, Cambodia or the Solomon Islands," Mr Schroffel said.

Veterans requiring transport assistance for the 2026 ANZAC Day March are encouraged to register early. The service is free and open to any veteran who needs support.

To get involved, visit racv.com.au and get in touch with the Community Programs team.