In 1917, King George V of England began sending messages of congratulations to his subjects on the occasion of significant anniversaries. The practice continues today.
Anniversary messages, in the form of a card, are personal congratulations from the Prime Minister, the Governor‑General and Her Majesty The Queen.
They are available to Australian citizens and permanent residents celebrating a significant birthday or wedding anniversary.
Until recently, knowing how to arrange for an anniversary message was not well known. Typically, a person would contact the office of their local Member of Parliament to formally begin the process.
However, a simpler process is now available where individuals and couples can complete an online form at Anniversary Messages.
Messages can be requested for the following anniversaries:
Message from the Prime Minister
- 50th wedding anniversary or any year thereafter
- 90th birthday or any year thereafter
Message from the Governor-General
- 50th wedding anniversary or any year thereafter
- 100th birthday or any year thereafter
Message from The Queen
- 60th, 65th and 70th wedding anniversary then every year thereafter
- 100th and 105th birthday then every year thereafter
The form can also be sent via email or post, or by visiting your local Member of Parliament. The message request form can be filled in online or printed for completion.
Supporting documentation such as a birth or marriage certificate is required when submitting an anniversary message request. For a full list of valid documentation, see the above page.
Messages can be posted up to one month in advance of the anniversary or birthday. You can also request a message up to six months after the birthday or wedding anniversary.
Surprise your loved ones at their anniversary celebration
A surprise message from the Prime Minister, the Governor-General and/or The Queen can be a great addition to a birthday or wedding anniversary celebration so be sure to submit the message request no later than two months before the event.
This will ensure the message arrives on time.