RSL Queensland advises sub branches to cancel Anzac Day commemorations due to coronavirus risk

Traditional ANZAC Day commemorations will be cancelled in Queensland due to the risk coronavirus posed to veterans. Other options are being considered.

TRADITIONAL Anzac Day commemorations will be cancelled in Queensland with other options being considered.

RSL Queensland today began advising its Sub Branches to cancel Anzac Day commemorations “in light of the emerging coronavirus public health emergency”.

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Traditional Anzac Day commemorations won’t be seen in Queensland this year due to the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Annette Dew

RSL Queensland President Tony Ferris said the advice followed the Federal Government’s announcement on Friday that public gatherings of more than 500 people should be suspended.

“Our older veterans are particularly at risk from this virus, so we believe this is the responsible thing to do to ensure their health and wellbeing,” Mr Ferris said.

He said RSL Queensland was considering options for commemorating the anniversary without placing veterans and the general public at risk.

“Regardless of the form this year’s Anzac Day commemorations take, we will always remember the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our Defence forces, past and present,” he said.

Mr Ferris said risking the health of older veterans was not worth taking.

“Anzac Day is an opportunity for Australians to remember all those who have served and sacrificed, and we are pleased that so many Queenslanders recognise its significance more than a century after it was first commemorated,” he said.

“It’s very sad that we are not able to commemorate Anzac Day in time-honoured fashion this year, but a public commemoration is not worth risking the health of our older veterans, family members or members of the general public.”

Mr Ferris told The Courier-Mail that advising Queensland’s 240 RSL sub-branches to cancel commemorations was about safety.

“It one of the hardest decisions, if not one of the most historical decisions for this organisation to have to make,” he said.

“It’s about us looking after, not just the the RSL people, the veterans, but any people that may attend those services on the 25th of April.”

Mr Ferris said the average age of veterans who were RSL members were 70.

Other options are being explored.

“Whether it be by way of a televised broadcast, or whether we turn around and we stream it through media, we will attempt to have something out there for the community to be involved with.”