Guidance on this page is provided to assist with preparing information to be submitted in a Ceremonial support request, including the support request options to select.
All requests are required to have a minimum lead time of 12 weeks.
Support requests
Some requests may not supported due to high demand. Therefore where there are multiple support requests selected provide details of preference within the ‘Additional request details’ section in the form. For example. 1. Guest Speaker 2. Wreath Layer 3. Flag Orderly or other.
For Anzac Day and Remembrance Day events, there is high demand for catafalque party, and not all requests are able to be supported. It is important to include the other types of support that is preferred example. 1. Guest Speaker 2. Wreath Layer 3. Flag Orderly.
Guest speaker and wreath layer
When requesting a guest speaker and wreath layer expect the one military person to do both. Please include the theme and length of the speech. With regards to wreath layers, indicate who is responsible to provide the wreath with a preference that the requesting organisation provides the wreath.
Band support
The Australian Defence Force have 3 Service bands consisting of full time and part time members. Please be patient when requesting band support as not all requests can be filled due to ongoing band availability. There are limited buglers, drummers and vocalists.
Catafalque party
On occasions of remembrance or commemoration, the catafalque party stand with weapons around a cenotaph, memorial or bier. If the organisation does not have either, please do not ask for a catafalque party as it is against protocol and inappropriate. Please contact the local Joint Operations Support Staff office to seek advice on what would be deemed suitable.
Flypast
When selecting a flypast one of the following options may be available:
- Flypast – straight line flyover of a single point of interest.
- Flying display – aerobatic display.
When requesting a flypast for a ceremonial or commemorative event, please note that each state and territory has different support options available.
Ensure that a flypast time is provided otherwise the support request will not be supported.
Where possible, Defence will try to support using the most appropriate and available aircraft.