By Romy Stephens
Anzac Day might look vastly different this year, but that doesn’t mean communities can’t commemorate the important occasion.
Current Covid-19 restrictions means public dawn services and marches have been cancelled, but local RSLs are encouraging people to still get involved.
Whether it be standing out the front of driveways at 6am or observing a minute silence at some point throughout the day, there are plenty of ways for locals to pay respect.
Monbulk RSL president Bill Ford said he will sound The Last Post and Australian Anthem from the steps of the RSL at 6am on Anzac Day.
He encouraged residents to listen out and do whatever they could to commemorate the occasion.
“There’s so many platforms and there’s no reason why people can’t do Zoom link-ups at 6am in the morning on their phones and at their front gates,” he said.
“Everyone could hang an Australian flag at their gate post as well, I’ll have my Australian flag flying at home here.
“Make sure, at some stage, to observe two minute silence for the lost figures as well.”
Mount Evelyn RSL member Anthony McAleer encouraged people to watch a live-streamed Anzac Day service.
“Although the Mount Evelyn RSL won’t be conducting any ceremony, there will be streaming on Facebook of a single Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance,” he said.
“The service will be mostly pre-recorded with a live wreath laying component featuring the Governor and a contemporary Victorian veteran.”
With volunteers unable to sell Anzac Day badges this year, Lilydale RSL encouraged people to keep an eye out for badges on sale at shops and businesses that are still open.
Like many around the country, Emerald RSL and Upwey Belgrave RSL have drawn inspiration from a simple idea.
“At dawn, people can stand on their front porch or their nature strip with a candle and recite the Ode,” longtime Emerald RSL figurehead and former president Peter Maloney said.
“If everyone does that in Emerald that morning it’ll be such a moving scene, particularly if – as encouraged – they play The Last Post.
“Everyone will do their own thing in their own way, but they’ll still be remembering and it’ll be a kind of private Anzac Day.”
RSL Victoria is asking the whole Victorian community to #standto on 25 April and #LightUpTheDawn.
At 6am Anzac Day residents can stand in their yard, driveway, or balcony and observe a minute of silence in respect for our veteran’s past and present.
To keep up to date with what each RSL in the region has planned for Anzac Day, visit the individual RSL sub-branch Facebook page.
