RSL defends illegal march

By Casey Neill
UPWEY-BELGRAVE RSL’s traditional Anzac Day march was this year held illegally following a bureaucratic bunfight.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges told the sub-branch it needed to submit a traffic management plan and application to hold the parade for the first time in its 90-year history.
This would include seeking permission from VicRoads, Upwey traders, bus companies and the shire just weeks out from the parade.
It refused to comply.
Secretary Terry Bull believes State Government regulation changes were to blame.
“There was certainly no problem last year,” he said.
“What about the freedom to march and show our respect for not only past but serving members of our defence forces?”
Mr Bull said the RSL would join with the Victorian RSL and 300 fellow sub-branches to resolve the issue.
“We’ve got a reasonable lobby group,” he said.
Upwey Township Group’s Mark Addison said the requirements were disrespectful of the day.
Mr Addison called on the State Government to exempt Anzac Day marches from the rules applied to other events.
“Some things are above applications,” he said.
“They’ve got to sort it out for next year.”
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said the Shire of Yarra Ranges offered to fund the application, which would have cost up to $1000. But he supported the sub-branch’s decision to ignore the State Government edict.
“It’s totally crazy,” he said.
“To say these guys shouldn’t march unless they’ve got a traffic plan is just dumb.”
“We shouldn’t even have an argument over this. It should be put to bed.”
Cr Cliff said Anzac Day marches were an Australian tradition.
“As a kid I can remember marching in Scouts on Anzac Day in Upwey,” he said.
Cr Cliff said the march honoured men and women who had defended their country.
“And here they are being told they can’t march,” he said.
“It’s contradicting what these guys did. Hopefully it’ll never happen again.”
Belgrave Senior Sergeant Doug Berglund said the station assigned three officers to ensure the illegal parade could safely cross busy Burwood Highway.
“We were obliged to,” he said.
“It’s still a traffic issue.”
Sen Sgt Berglund said the station helped out with the march every year.
“It’s not even a couple of hours,” he said.
A State Government spokesman said VicRoads required RSLs across Victoria to submit traffic management plans for Anzac Day marches when they used arterial roads: “Primarily for the safety of those marching and other road users.”
“We are committed to working with the Upwey RSL to resolve any issues regarding future events,” he said.