ANZAC Day services – local and at home commemorations encouraged

ANZAC Day services – local and at home commemorations encouraged

Published on 20 April 2021

ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand when both nations commemorate Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

Commemoration services to pay respect to servicemen and women are being held throughout the shire with some COVIDSafe alterations.

2021 also marks the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which was established in 1921 on the foundations of the Australian Flying Corps which began during the First World War. The ABC special feature ‘To the Stars: 100 years of the RAAF’ is available to watch on iView, and looks at the history of the Air Force through rare archival footage and in-depth interviews with veterans, serving members and new recruits.

Due to the COVIDSafe physical distancing requirements for public events, the Mount Macedon ANZAC Dawn Service Committee has had to make the difficult decision that the 2021 Mt Macedon Memorial Cross Dawn service will not go ahead. A virtual event will be held instead, which you can watch via the Mt Macedon Dawn Service website.

Smaller, local commemorations will be going ahead in townships across the shire on, including:

Kyneton: A dawn service will be held at Kyneton Cenotaph at 6am Malmsbury: There is no service at Malmsbury this year, but wreaths can be laid Gisborne: Gisborne RSL service at the Cenotaph Howey Street Gisborne at 10.30am Woodend: Woodend RSL holding a service at 12.30pm Romsey & Lancefield RSL: a small wreath laying service at Romsey at 7.30am, and a service at Lancefield - 8.15am for 8.30am commencement

Although some in-person commemoration events will not be going ahead, there are a number of ways to pay your respects at home or in your local community:

Light up the Dawn: At 6am light a candle and stand on your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room to observe a minute’s silence to commemorate all veterans who have served and are serving now. Livestream the Shrine of Remembrance Dawn Service: All Victorians are invited to join online via the Shrine of Remembrance's website or RSL Victoria and the Shrine’s social channels to watch the Dawn Service and the march from home.