Readers support Oakey Bears refusal to play on Anzac Day

A Queensland rugby league club’s refusal to play on Anzac Day has drawn a passionate response from across the Sunshine State. Here’s how more than 1400 people voted as the small country club weighs up forfeiting a key fixture.

Oakey Army Aviation Centre flyover during the Citizens Commemoration Service at the Mothers' Memorial on Anzac Day 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Oakey Bears refusal to play on Anzac Day has drawn overwhelming support from the Darling Downs and beyond.

With strong ties to the Oakey Army Aviation Training Centre, Bears believe it would be disrespectful for them to leave the town to play Pittsworth Danes on the national day of remembrance.

“Anzac Day holds deep meaning for our town – the only TRL community with an active military base – and our club plays a key role in the day’s commemorations,” the club said in an online statement late last week.

“We cannot, in good conscience, remove our players, support staff, supporters and families from Oakey on such an important occasion.”

More than 1400 people voted in a Facebook poll by this masthead asking ‘Should the TRL’s Anzac Day match be moved for Oakey Bears?’

Just 281 people voted against moving the game to another date with 1400 in favour of rescheduling the match.

The poll and other links to The Chronicle’s story also drew more than 500 comments.

Here’s what some of readers have to say.

Janelle Jackson

Yes, Respect the voices of Oakey. Why is it so difficult for people commenting on this subject to understand. Oakey has the Aviation base. Many Military personnel attend Anzac Day services, there would be men who are connected to the military also connected to the football club. Oakey football club is being respectful and they should be applauded for respecting their military connections.

Narelle Buckley

Good on you Bears stand your ground. TRL have some respect Anzac is one day of the year.

Karalee Trapp

Yes. Why are Pittsworth so unwilling to change the day?

Darren L Baxter

That is all about respect n great stuff oakey rugby league

Commandant Army Aviation Training Centre Oakey Colonel David Lynch gives the main address at the Anzac Day Toowoomba Dawn Service in 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Linda May O’Connor

Total respect to Oakey for prioritising their community

Robin Johnson

No football should be played on that day anywhere.

Doug Volker

Yes it should be moved there are plenty of weekends in a season but only one Anzac Day.

Sad but true the dollar rules Rugby League at all levels it seems.

Judy Johnson

So very disrespectful to play football on Anzac Day! One day that we get to Respect the Men and Women that fought and died for us, and those that Serve for now.

Neil Coultis

My father-in-law served in PNG in WW2, and he was always happy for the footy to be played after the march and service.

Kathy Newbery

No Anzac Day is not about sport but should be about remembering those who died for their country