Lobethal RSL to live broadcast special Anzac dawn service for Hills community
A bushfire-ravished town won’t be stopped in commemorating one of the most important days of the year, delivering an Anzac Day dawn service specifically catered to the Adelaide Hills community.
Adelaide Hills
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Lobethal RSL is pulling out all stops to deliver a commemorative dawn service for Hills residents this Anzac Day.
The sub-branch will conduct a full service, with four of its members, including a bugler, at its Wattle St headquarters at 6.30am on Saturday.
The service will be live-streamed via the branch’s Facebook page and broadcast on the town’s Main St public announcement system, generally reserved for the Christmas pageant.
It will be the only RSL-run service locally, with Hills residents asked to line the street, holding candles, as a sign of respect.
“Last year, rather spookily, as part of the speech I gave to highlight the importance of bringing communities together, I said that it shouldn’t take a fire to come up on the ridge line behind us all for us to unite,” sub-branch president Adam Weinert said.
“Here we are, 12 months later, and a fire has come over the hill and we really did unite as a community which has helped us get through the COVID-19 crisis.
“So because of what we’ve been through with the fire and now the virus, we’ve made an effort to have a bigger service and not just something minor.
“We don’t want people to miss out just because of what’s going on in the world and do our bit to bring us all together.”
The local RSL was also in process of finalising a list of veterans buried at the Lobethal cemetery as part of this year’s commemorations.
“What we’re suggesting to people, especially families with kids, is to make a wreath to put outside their homes along with a candle and listen to our livestream or broadcast service,” Mr Weinert said.
“Maybe, throughout the day, they can also go down to the local cemetery to visit the grave of a veteran to pay their respect.”
Residents in Mount Barker are also encouraged to line the streets from 5.55am, with the local council joining forces with Hills Radio 88.9FM which will broadcast the Last Post, followed by one minute of silence at 6am.
Mayor Ann Ferguson said in uncertain times it was important to “pay respect for the people that sacrificed everything for what they hold dear”.
“Unfortunately this year we can’t gather together to commemorate Anzac Day with the Last Post, but we can pay tribute in other ways,” Ms Ferguson said.
“(The) council has been working closely with local RSL members to come up with different ideas of observing Anzac Day.
“Macclesfield RSL, for example, has developed a pack which contains activities and projects for families to participate and learn about Anzac Day at home, which can be downloaded online.
“You are still welcome to lay a wreath and pay your respects at one of the local memorials, but please visit them throughout the day and respect rules of social distancing and gathering.”