Anzac Day parade cancellation: March set to go ahead
Melbourne’s Anzac Day parade is set to go ahead following talks on Friday afternoon. RSL Victoria had previously cancelled the event.
Victoria
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Melbourne’s Anzac Day parade is set to go ahead.
The march – which RSL Victoria had cancelled amid concerns about COVID-19 – will now proceed with COVIDSafe precautions.
These were yet to be finalised.
The breakthrough was made during talks between RSL Victoria and the state government on Friday afternoon.
RSL Victoria said in a statement: “After hearing public sentiment and feedback, RSL Victoria has renewed its commitment to holding an ANZAC DAY march in Melbourne, that will be as close to normal as possible.”
“RSL Victoria is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other government representatives to ensure that all Victorians can commemorate this year’s Anzac Day in a COVID-safe way,’’ it said.
“RSL Victoria had a productive meeting with the DHHS on Friday, February 26.
“At the meeting, RSL Victoria discussed COVID-safe requirements for Melbourne Anzac Day commemorations.
“RSL Victoria also discussed the more than 400 RSL lead ANZAC DAY services and events currently planned at war memorials and cenotaphs across the state.
“With the co-operation of the Victorian Government, RSL Victoria is confident that a resolution on what will be possible on ANZAC DAY can be reached soon.
“RSL Victoria will continue to work with the Victorian Government and other stakeholders to ensure that this year’s Anzac Day will be commemorated in a way that is appropriate for the gravity and importance of Anzac Day, and that is also COVID-safe.
Veterans Minister Shaun Leane told the Herald Sun:”This is a great result.”
“Veterans have made their voices clear about having earned the right to march — and we’ll make sure RSL Victoria have all the resources and support they need to make that happen,’’ he said.
The Herald Sun understands the event will be capped with the exact figure likely to be as substantial as possible.
World War II wireless operator Jack Bell, 103, who spent more than three years in prisoner of war camps after his plane was shot down over Libya, said on being told the parade would proceed: “I am very happy.”
“I couldn’t understand it,’’ he said. “It just amazed me.”
Hawthorn RSL president Lucas Moon, 42, who served in the army for 14 years, said: “Sanity has prevailed.”
“It’s brought the veteran community together,’’ he said.
The cancellation of the parade had triggered outrage from veterans who branded the move “disgusting”.
Marches in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth have all been allowed to go ahead.
Premier Daniel Andrews said earlier on Friday: “I want an Anzac Day parade.”
“I want to commemorate those who have given everything for us and those who serve this very day in defence of the things that we hold dear,’’ he said.
“To lead that march is an amazing privilege. One that I cherish every year.
“I want an Anzac Day that is as close to normal as possible.”
But he cautioned: “It is a little way off.”
“I genuinely would hope that no one questioned the commitment from me and my team to work with our ex-service organisations to get an Anzac Day that is much closer to a normal Anzac Day than what last year was.”
The Herald Sun earlier this week revealed younger Diggers were willing to march for their elderly comrades as an alternative to the usual march.
Melbourne Legacy, representing more than 3400 war widows, also joined the campaign for the parade to be saved.
As many as 15,000 people usually take part in the march, with the crowd reaching around 45,000.
Meanwhile Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester announced Anzac Day services overseas would not go ahead as normal this year.
It includes the Australian and New Zealand-led Anzac Day services in Turkey and the Australian services in France.
“The day will still be recognised in these countries however, with locally-based officials holding private commemorations in honour of all those who have served our country in uniform, and those who died in service,’’ Mr Chester said.
“This decision was made in the national interest for the protection of all Australians, at home and abroad, and on the advice of Australian health authorities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in consultation with host nations.”
A COVIDSafe national service will be held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and broadcast nationally.
More to come.
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