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.
Prioritisation
Defence prioritises ceremonial support to Government of Australia and State/ Territory Government activities, including Vice Regal and Head of State events. On national days of significance Defence will prioritise support to Government and Returned and Services League (RSL) sponsored events, with the expectation that the public will attend those events.
If there is an ongoing affiliation with an Australian Defence Force or Cadet unit, please include the unit details in the request form under 'Has this event had ceremonial support in the past'? Include the full contact name and when the support was previously provided.
Support requests
Some requests may not supported due to high demand. Therefore where there are multiple support requests selected please add in the ‘Additional request details’ the order of preference, 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 Parties 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 ADF 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 Parties
The Catafalque Party is generally mounted around a Cenotaph, Memorial or Bier on occasions of remembrance or commemoration. If the organisation does not have either, please do not ask for a Catafalque Party as it is against protocol and inappropriate. Please call your local JOSS office to seek advice on what would be deemed suitable.
Flypast
A flypast is designed to facilitate one or more ADF aircraft flying straight and level at an altitude commensurate with terrain and obstacles to mark a ceremonial event at a particular time on target.
When requesting a flypast for a ceremonial or commemorative event, please note that each State and Territory has different support options available.
Where possible Defence will try to support using the most appropriate aircraft.