Victorians will be able to honour the sacrifice of our service men and women in person this year, with hundreds of local services expected at RSLs across the state and limited attendance at the traditional ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March.
The Victorian Government has worked closely with RSL Victoria to ensure veterans and their families could march this year, but encourages Victorians to stay local on ANZAC Day.
RSL sub-branch, local government and community services are being planned for ANZAC Day - so finding a service close to home is an easy, meaningful and COVIDSafe way to remember those who served.
The traditional Dawn Service and Commemorative Services will also be held with smaller numbers in partnership with the Shrine of Remembrance, and live streamed for all Victorians to watch at facebook.com/rslvic.
Victorians can also share their show of remembrance from home by taking part in #lightupthedawn on social media while observing the traditional minute's silence from their driveways, front yards or balconies.
The Government provides annual funding of $80,000 to RSL Victoria to support ANZAC Day commemorations and will increase that amount to $330,000 this year to ensure the safety of participants.
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.
On ANZAC DAY donations to the Anzac Appeal are encouraged through anzacappeal.com.au.
As stated by Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane
"We've worked closely with RSL Victoria to ensure the march and dawn service could go ahead this year - but there are many ways to honour the hard work and sacrifice of our returned service men and women closer to home."
"With hundreds of local services across Melbourne and Regional Victoria, I encourage people to stay local this ANZAC Day."
As stated by Chief Executive Officer of RSL Victoria Jamie Twidale
As stated by Chief Executive Office of The Shrine Dean Lee
"As the home of commemoration in Victoria, we are delighted to host the State Anzac Day Dawn Service and encourage all Victorians to join us online from 5.40am."
