This year's Launceston Anzac Day commemorations will be unlike no other, and despite COVID-19 restrictions being enforced, organisers say they are confident people will do the right thing.
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Sunday's dawn service, march of remembrance and civic service remains open for members of the public to attend, however, people are being encouraged to register ahead of the event.
Veteran descendants must also seek permission to participate in the march of remembrance, while school groups, Scouts and Girl Guides will not be able to participate at all.
Launceston RSL sub-branch president Graham Barnett said while the decision was unfortunate, it was necessary to ensure public safety.
"The main reason was the length of time it takes for the march," he said.
"Normally, from the time we take off to the time the last person gets to Royal Park - it's usually about 45 minutes. We don't want people standing around hugging one another for that long.
"That was the main reason. It's not because we don't like them [schools, Scouts, Guides] marching - we love them marching.
"But, it's the time people will be standing around together. We needed to reduce the time."
Up to 500 people are expected to take part in Sunday's march of remembrance, which will commence at Prince's Square at 9.45am.
Mr Barnett said there were no restrictions in place for members of the public wanting to attend and watch, however social distancing measures would be in place.
No more than two relatives will be allowed to march with individual veterans, while descendants will march together at the back of the procession.
With volunteers working hard to ensure commemorations would go ahead, Mr Barnett said the efforts were a testament to everything the RSL stands for.
"Everybody has been really wonderful in the way they have accepted what's going on because they are just so appreciative that it's going ahead ... all and the efforts we have put in," he said.
"It's been a little bit harder, but it's nothing we can't do.
"We started [planning] in January ... that gives you some idea. It's a huge effort.
"We have a template we work from - we have been doing it for over 100 years. But it doesn't mean that things just happen. It takes time."
Anzac Day, Sunday, April 25: What you need to know:
Launceston dawn service:
- Where: Launceston Cenotaph
- When: 6am
- Street closures: Paterson Street between Margaret Street and Wellington Street, including Park Street from 5am, until the conclusion of the dawn service. Bathurst Street, north of Brisbane Street will be closed from 5.50am until the conclusion of the dawn service (approximately 7am).
- After: Breakfast and lunch at RSL - all welcome.
March of remembrance:
- 9.45am: Parade falls in four abreast at assembly points in Prince's Square (maintain COVID spacing).
- 10.15 am: Parade moves off and marches along the route to the cenotaph, via Charles Street and turns left into Paterson Street. The salute will be taken in Paterson Street, opposite Launceston fire station, by the City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten.
Launceston RSL Anzac Day COVID-19 mitigation plan:
The Launceston RSL Sub-Branch will be conducting an ANZAC Day Dawn Service, March, and Civic Service at the Launceston Cenotaph in Royal Park. This commemoration will be restricted to Ex Serving and Serving ADF members, nominated individuals and community groups. All attendees must be familiar with and help in actioning this COVID 19 Mitigation Plan to ensure the safe conduct of the ANZAC DAY 2021 Commemoration.
The following service, individual and community groups and individuals can attend the 2021 ANZAC day Commemoration Services.
Anzac Day 2021 Dawn Service:
- Invited guests, federal and state politicians
- Invited guest speakers
- All ex-servicemen and women in the Launceston community
- All current Australian Defence Force personal in the Launceston community
- Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets
- City of Launceston/RSL Silver Band Ensemble and Bugler
- City of Launceston Vox Harmony Choir
- Immediate family members of the above groups
- Scouts/Girl Guides
- St John Ambulance
- Members of the public who are direct descendants of a Veteran who is deceased
- Local media
Anzac Day 2021 March:
- All ex-servicemen and women in the Launceston community
- Any current Australian Defence Force personal in the Launceston community
- Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets
- Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Motorcycle Club Tas Branch
- Defence Transport Heritage Tasmania Vehicles
- Taxi Combined Vehicles
- The RSL Pipes and Drums Band
- The St Andrews Caledonian Pipes and Drum Band
- City of Launceston RSL Silver Band
- Immediate family members of the above groups (As spectators)
- Members of the public who are direct descendants of a Veteran who is deceased. (As spectators)
- Local media
Anzac Day 2021 Civic Service:
- Invited guest, federal and state politicians
- Invited guest speakers
- All ex-servicemen and women in the Launceston community
- Any current Australian Defence Force Personal in the Launceston community
- Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets
- Close family members of the above groups
- Defence Transport Heritage Tasmania Vehicles
- The RSL Pipes and Drums Band
- The St Andrews Caledonian Pipe and Drum Band
- City of Launceston RSL Silver Band and Bugler
- City of Launceston Vox Harmony Choir
- Scouts / Girl Guides
- School wreath laying groups their teachers and parents.
- Members of the public who are direct descendants of a Veteran who is deceased.
- St John Ambulance
- Local Mmedia
Anzac Day 2021 COVID 19 Mitigation Requirements:
Register your ANZAC Day attendance. You can register your attendance at ANZAC Day 2021 prior to and during the commemoration activities. This can be done by using one of two following methods:
- You may register by manually signing in on the documents provided at the Cenotaph Royal Park. You can also register at the Launceston RSL on every Tuesday and Thursday prior to ANZAC Day.
- You can Check in using the TAS App QR Code. To get the app Download the 'Check in TAS' app to your mobile phone. It can be found on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Then using the Launceston RSL - ANZAC Day QR Code register your contact details. You only need to do this once. It also can be done prior to ANZAC Day at the Launceston RSL or at the Cenotaph Royal Park.
- The QR Code will be sent nominated groups or it can be sent by requesting a copy by emailing admin@launcestonrsl.com.au.
ANZAC Day COVID 19 actions:
- Do not attend ANZAC Day 2021 if you have cold or flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, or fever. Get tested for COVID-19.
- Maintain social distaining and stay 1.5 metres away from other people.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Dispose of used tissues immediately using a rubbish bin.
- Bring your own hand sanitiser and / or use sanitiser provided at the Royal Park Cenotaph.
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
