Kew RSL sub-branch president encourages Dawn Service commemoration during coronavirus lockdown
Australians are being encouraged to attend an Anzac Day Dawn Service at their gate, veranda or balcony on Saturday. This comes as coronavirus restrictions shut down public gatherings.
Inner East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
If everything had gone to plan, the annual march to commemorate Anzac Day by the Kew RSL sub-branch would have taken place on Monday.
It would have started at the sub-branch on Cotham Rd, gone down Charles St to the library, where a wreath would have been laid.
The group would have then proceeded to the cenotaph at Kew Junction for a wreath laying ceremony and presentation, followed by a visit to Holy Trinity Church and then a return to the sub-branch.
But the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to all that.
“We did a lot of planning eight weeks ago,” Kew RSL sub-branch president Gavan Fahey said.
“We were putting it all together and then this happened.”
With no commemorations to be held on Saturday, Mr Fahey instead encouraged everyone to take part in the Dawn Service memorial from their front gate, veranda or balcony.
“Everyone will be standing out on the front door on April 25, holding a torch or candle or something to commemorate,” he said.
“It will be at about 5.50am for a 6am service.”
There will also be a televised Dawn Service on ABC TV with a national ceremony from Canberra at 5am, before a Dawn Service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance at 6.10am-6.30am.
“Everyone has come together on this thing by showing their respect by coming to the front gate at the hour,” Mr Fahey said.
“Everyone can show their respects in their own way.”
Mr Fahey said on directive from Anzac House, all sub-branches were “pretty well closed”.
“We are all struggling, like everyone else, waiting for this to move forward,” he said.
“We just wish everyone to stay well as things move through, so we can come together again and have a meeting next year.”
MORE: ALL QUIET ON THE RSL FRONT
HOW THE EAST IS GOING THROUGH GROWING PAINS
EVERY COEN BROTHERS FILM RANKED
Mr Fahey also encouraged those able to donate to the Anzac Day Appeal, which has moved online at anzacappeal.com.au
April 25 will mark 105 years since the first Australian troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.