EVENTS SMALLER BUT STILL POIGNANT
ANZAC services will look a little different this year, with RSL sub-branches preparing COVID-safe commemorations and many scaling back services, giving priority entry to veterans and their families.
Greater Geelong has five marches marking the day.
The Portarlington march will start at the RSL on Harding Street at 11am, turn right into Newcombe Street and conclude at the cenotaph. Marchers are asked to arrive at 10am to sign in for a 10.30am start.
In Geelong’s CBD, an 11am march from the corner of Malop and Yarra streets will head into Johnstone Park and finish at the peace memorial.
A Norlane march will begin on the corner of Sparks Road and the Princes Highway, turn right into Rose Avenue and conclude at the Norlane RSL.
The City of Greater
Geelong will install commemorative banners across the region, lower flags on official buildings and turn the catenary lights red.
“A number of local RSL sub-branches in the region will run COVID-safe services and marches with limited attendance,” it said.
“Priority to attend will be given to RSL members and their relatives, along with current serving and retired defence forces members.”
With the normal Barwon Heads march cancelled, a dawn service will be held at 5.45am in Ocean Grove Park and limited to 1000 people.
A smaller march, restricted to veterans and first responders, will leave from The Terrace in Ocean Grove and conclude at the RSL memorial at Ocean Grove Park with a service at 10am. Queenscliffe-Point Lonsdale will hold services for veterans and their families only.
The day will be marked in the borough with a 5.45am dawn service at the Ocean View car park, an 8.45am march concluding at the Point Lonsdale cenotaph and another service at the Queenscliff Fort at 10.45am
“To ensure we can hold safe, in-person events, this year’s Anzac Day ceremonies in the borough will only be open to local veterans and their immediate families,” branch president Lieutenant Colonel Alan Hunter said last month.
An extra 2500 marchers can now take part in Melbourne’s Anzac parade, but they must still register at register.rslvic.com.au.