Fallen soldiers remembered in Sydney

With a family history of service in World War I, World War II and now Iraq, Ian Stevens never misses Remembrance Day.

"I'm the third generation of my family to serve," he said at a service at Sydney's Martin Place on Tuesday morning.

"This sort of tradition was handed down by my grandfather to make sure that I attend every year.

"Now my grandfather is no longer with us, I'll try to pass that down the line myself."

Wearing his great-grandfather's, grandfather's and his own medals, Stevens was among 1000 people who gathered at the Cenotaph in Sydney's CBD.

Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Governor David Hurley, and NSW Premier Mike Baird all laid wreaths and paid their respects at the service.

The crowd observed a minute's silence while flags were lowered to half mast.

Mr Hurley, the former chief of the defence force, said it was important for the legacy of the ANZACS to be relevant to all Australians.

"When the Australian troops, mostly volunteers, returned home, without 60,000 of their fellow countrymen they were broken and bruised, but not beaten," he said.

"They returned to a country that had changed.

"The outcome of the next four years must be more than plaques and memorials.

"Over the next four years I encourage you to consider what the ANZAC legacy means for Australia in the 21st century."

The federal government on Tuesday pledged $3 million in funding toward the redevelopment of the ANZAC Memorial and the construction of a new education centre in Hyde Park.