2021 Hobart Anzac Day parade has been called off amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions

Hobart’s Anzac Day commemorations will return to some normality this year – but a key event will not take place.

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HOBART will be without an Anzac Day parade again in 2021 amid ongoing COVID-19 gathering restrictions.

The dawn and day services will go ahead at the Hobart Cenotaph with restricted numbers.

It’s been two years since public Anzac Day commemorations were held in Hobart, with year’s events cancelled during the height of the COVID-19 shutdown.

RSL state president Robert Dick said the decision to scale down the 2021 event was made after extensive discussions between the Anzac Day commemorative committee, government and defence stakeholders.

Mr Dick said while the cancellation of the parade was disappointing, the RSL welcomed the return of commemorative services.

Soldiers marching at the Anzac Day march and service in Hobart in 2019. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“When they actually reached that decision (to cancel the parade) they took into account advice from the Public Health department on the size of crowd gatherings,” Mr Dick said.

“Other states like Queensland and Victoria have also cancelled their parades but are going ahead with their services.

“Public health and safety is paramount in situations like this and we can’t turn our backs on that. It’s very difficult to maintain social distancing in a parade-type atmosphere.”

Mr Dick said people would need to register to attend the services and it was yet to be determined how many people would be allowed to attend.

“We’re still waiting on advice from the state government as to what the restrictions will be,” he said.

The services will be live streamed.

Mr Dick said the fate of other Anzac Day commemorations around the state would be determined by individual subbranches based on health advice.

Public Health has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as 2021 Hobart Anzac Day parade has been called off amid ongoing COVID-19 restrictions