AS THE Australian government cancels all Australian-led overseas Anzac Day Services, the Australian War Memorial has said it will go ahead with a private, nationally televised Anzac Day commemorative service.
The traditional Dawn Service, National Ceremony and veterans' march on Saturday, April 25 will not take place.
The last time Anzac Day was cancelled was in 1919 during the Spanish Flu epidemic. In 1942 reduced services were held due to the threat to Australia during the Second World War.
Announcing the international ban, which includes Gallipoli in Turkey and Villers-Bretonneux in France, Veterans' Affairs minister Darren Chester said Anzac Day was one of the most important days on the national calendar, but expert advice within Australia and internationally that large public gatherings present an unacceptable risk to the community, could not be ignored.
"This decision has not been made lightly and has taken into consideration a number of key factors, primarily concerns about the welfare of Australians and other visitors travelling to Anzac Day services as well as views of host nations regarding visitors and large gatherings, the impact on health systems of overseas nations, and the welfare of staff and contractors travelling overseas," Mr Chester said.
The revised National War Memorial ceremony will be held in the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory of the Memorial at 5.30 am on Anzac Day.
The event will not be open to the public but will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC and streamed online.
Acting Memorial Director Anne Bennie said the Memorial was committed to providing an opportunity for Australians to commemorate Anzac Day through the televised ceremony.
Anzac Day is a symbolic day for Australians and New Zealanders, with the Australian War Memorial being the centre of Australia's national commemoration. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Anzac Day commemorations adhere to government advice on gatherings of large groups.
- Acting Australian War Memorial Director Anne Bennie.
"Anzac Day is a symbolic day for Australians and New Zealanders, with the Australian War Memorial being the centre of Australia's national commemoration.
"In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Anzac Day commemorations adhere to government advice on gatherings of large groups."
John King president of the ACT Branch of the RSL, said "In these exceptional circumstances, the RSL feels the course of action decided by the Australian War Memorial is the most appropriate way to mark Anzac Day, with due consideration for public safety."
He said it was anticipated the event would be attended by dignitaries representing the Commonwealth of Australia, the people of New Zealand, and current and former serving veterans.
A revised format of the Last Post Ceremony will take place at the end of Anzac Day.
States and territories have also moved to cancel services or ban the public from attending.
Victoria
Victoria is now planning a single Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance with the public asked not to attend. The CBD march has been cancelled and sub branches have been asked to hold only one service on the day with the public asked not to attend.
South Australia and Northern Territory
There will be a revised Dawn Service in Adelaide with the public asked not to attend. Sub branches across South Australia and the Northern Territory can hold services but only for their members.
Western Australia
In Western Australia all services in the state capital Perth, including the Dawn Service in Kings Park and the annual march have been cancelled; and all 125 sub branches have been advised not to hold services.
"RSLWA has a duty of care to its members and veterans - many of whom are elderly and the most vulnerable as the coronavirus worsens," said RSL State president Peter Aspinall.
For us, one death of a veteran, a family member or any member of the general public as a result of attending a RSLWA-organised service is one too many.
- RSLWA State President Peter Aspinall.
"For us, one death of a veteran, a family member or any member of the general public as a result of attending a RSLWA-organised service is one too many," Mr Aspinall said.
Tasmania
The Tasmanian branch of the RSL is hoping to hold a single ceremony, without public in attendance but accessible through streaming services.
Queensland
Queensland has also cancelled its services.
New South Wales
New South Wales has cancelled all Anzac Day services.
"I want to reiterate that no public Anzac Day commemorations should take place across New South Wales in the lead up to, or on Anzac Day" said RSLNSW Acting State president Ray James. "The risk with large gatherings to members and the general public is too great."
"We are considering televising a small, private service under strict conditions. This is to ensure Anzac traditions and solemn recognition can be appropriately observed," he said.
Sub-branches have been advised they can proceed with planning for small fundraising activities in the lead up to Anzac Day, as long as strict hygiene and public safety guidelines are followed.
"Of course, if the government places greater restrictions on public gatherings and safety, members must respond appropriately," said Mr James.
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
