Melbourne’s Anzac Day parade set to host at least 5000 veterans

Melbourne’s Anzac Day parade is set to include at least 5000 veterans, with exact plans now before COVID-19 health experts.

At least 5000 marchers are set to take part in this year’s Anzac Day parade.

The figure — which health authorities must still tick off — would make Melbourne’s event potentially the biggest in the country.

It does not include spectators, which could swell to thousands more.

The Herald Sun has confirmed plans for the Anzac Day parade, lodged with Victoria’s Health Department on Monday, include capacity for a minimum 5000 marchers with no upper cap.

It’s understood coronavirus safety protocols would likely include marchers staying 1.5m apart.

Masks are unlikely to be necessary.

The format of the march is likely to see veterans grouped by age to ensure especially stringent measures are in place to protect the elderly.

It means Victoria’s oldest veterans would be included in the parade.

It’s believed the march may be shorter but would still continue its historic path along St Kilda Road.

A state government spokesman said late Tuesday: “We received the RSL’s proposal for an Anzac Day March and it is being assessed in line with the Public Events Framework.”

“Further details of the Anzac Day March will be provided once the event proposal has been assessed,’’ he said.

At least 5000 veterans are set to take part in this year’s Anzac Day parade. Picture: Jason Edwards

RSL Victoria last month confirmed the march had been cancelled but the move was reviewed following overwhelming community support and Victoria’s improving COVID-19 situation.

It’s applied for approval for a Tier 1 public event — the largest type possible.

COVIDSafe plans for the Dawn Service and midday commemorative service at the Shrine of Remembrance have also been submitted to the Health Department.

The assessment process was likely to take several weeks.

Work continued in planning safety protocols for more than 400 RSL-led Anzac Day services and events to be held statewide.

RSL Victoria chief executive officer Jamie Twidale said: “RSL Victoria continues discussions with the Victorian Government and other stakeholders to allow Anzac Day activities across the state to take place while observing all related COVID-19 restrictions.”

“RSL Victoria is waiting for approval for the COVIDSafe Event Plans from the Victorian Government,’’ he said.

“The Victorian Government has been very supportive, and we will make a media statement when we receive a decision.”

The Anzac Day Commemoration Council — made up of veterans groups and authorities — and various stakeholders had been consulted on the plans.

Len Clarke, 94, said the march was hugely important to veterans. Picture: David Caird

Len Clarke, 94, who served in the Merchant Navy and Australian Army during World War II, marched in the city for several years and was keen to return in a vehicle escort this year.

Mr Clarke was overjoyed to hear the parade was set to proceed.

“It’s the best news ever,’’ he said.

“That’s great."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday said while approvals were ultimately up to state governments he wanted Anzac Day commemorations to return to normal as much as possible.

It came amid criticism that just 500 veterans would take part in Sydney's Anzac Day parade when the city on the weekend hosted around 30,000 revellers for Mardi Gras.

The figure was late Tuesday increased to 5000 marchers.

“I want Anzac Day on,’’ Mr Morrison said.

“If people can party, and if people can protest, then we can remember as a nation, and honour our veterans on Anzac Day.

“And I would like to see that done as fully and as safely as possible and I think that is not beyond our wits to achieve that.”

As many as 15,000 people usually take part in the Melbourne march, with the crowd reaching around 45,000.