"I was seriously injured. I'm still in pain. I've had numerous back and knee operations. All of this chips away at you mentally," he told the Returned and Services League Western Australia.

Mr Price began working as a policeman, which he described as 90 per cent boredom due to the paperwork and 10 per cent terror.

"Domestic disputes were the worst. The amount of times I had people try and stab me, shoot me," he said.

After a fellow veteran and friend of 30 years took his own life, Mr Price's health deteriorated so he joined his local RSL.

People are being urged to support contemporary veterans like Mr Price this Anzac Day, with the RSL WA focusing on those who have served since 1990 in conflicts including Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor.

About 30,000 people are expected to gather at the Kings Park State War Memorial in Perth for the dawn service at 6am.

Premier Mark McGowan, who served in the Australian Navy, will be the guest speaker and other dignitaries will include WA Governor Kim Beazley.

Afterwards, there will be a Haka for Life performance at Kings Park followed by a gunfire breakfast at the Government House Gardens.

There will also be separate services at the Jewish War Memorial at 7am and Vietnam Memorial at 7.30am.

About 10,000 people are expected to attend the annual march in the city, which will begin at the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace at 9am.

The march will head east along St Georges Terrace, turn right at Victoria Avenue and on to Langley Park where there will be a sausage sizzle.

The Commemorative Service will be held at the Perth Concert Hall from 11am.

More than 100 RSL sub-branches in WA will hold their own Anzac Day events.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Australian Associated Press