- Minister for Veterans
As Victorians prepare to honour our service men and women from home tomorrow, the Victorian Government is topping up this year's Anzac Appeal by $1.5 million to give extra certainty and support to the RSL and veterans.
Minister for Veterans Robin Scott said the Government's pledge - which includes a further $650,000 for the Victorian Veterans Council and another $50,000 for Melbourne Legacy - will ensure veterans receive vital support such as accommodation, food supplies and assistance with medical and utility bills.
It brings the total amount of Government funding to $2.2 million.
With Victorians to mark Anzac Day at home this year and street sales of ribbons and badges banned under coronavirus restrictions, the RSL expects to raise just a fraction of its usual fundraising target in 2020.
While stay-at-home measures have forced the cancellation of traditional Anzac Day commemorations - such as the veterans' march and local dawn services - there are still ways to come together and share our show of remembrance.
A state dawn service, closed to the public, will be televised and live streamed from the Shrine of Remembrance from 5.50am. As the Last Post plays, Victorians are encouraged walk outside, stand in your yard, driveway or balcony and observe the traditional minute of silence.
You can post a photo of your observance on social media using the hashtag #StandTo - a fitting military term that refers to turning out and standing ready - or #lightupthedawn. Victorians can also use #AnzacAtHome to share the other tributes, whether it is tracing a relative's service history or recording their wartime memories.
SBS will tonight air a documentary funded by the Victorian Government that tells the story of returned World War One veterans who built the Great Ocean Road as a tribute to the fallen. The popular tourist route is considered the world's largest war memorial. The Story of the Road airs tonight at 4pm and will be on SBS On Demand.
Anzac Day - one of our most important national days - began as a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War One. It has grown to become a reflection on the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in conflict or on peacekeeping operations.
The Shrine's dawn service can be viewed at facebook.com/rslvic while donations to the Anzac Appeal are encouraged through anzacappeal.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Veterans Robin Scott
"Although Anzac Day will look very different from previous years, Victorians can still find meaningful ways to participate and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve."
"We share a deep appreciation for the sacrifice these men and women have made - and that keeps us connected, even though we must be physically apart."
"This Anzac Day our message is to stay home, save lives and stand to."
