RSL gearing up for Remembrance Day

Warragul RSL is gearing up for a near to normal Remembrance Day commemoration on November 11.

And Warragul sub-branch president Ben Vahland said the RSL’s annual Poppy Appeal, first held 100 years ago, would also be back as close to pre-COVID arrangements with local sales starting several days before Remembrance Day.

The appeal raises funds to assist the welfare of returned service people but with COVID restrictions in place last year raised only about half the amount as the previous year.

Mr Vahland said his understanding of what restrictions may apply in Victoria by November 11 was that commemoration services would be classed as “outdoor community events” that could be attended by up to 500 people that were double vaccinated against the virus.

Warragul RSL is well advanced in planning accordingly for the day, he said.

Because of COVID restrictions in place at the time last year’s Remembrance Day service in Warragul was brief, attended by only a small number of people and not open to the wider public.

However, Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said the government had yet to clarify what crowds could gather at local services other than state Minister for Veteran Affairs Shaun Leane stating in parliament that attendees must be double vaccinated.

The service at the Warragul Cenotaph will begin at 10.30 am and will conclude at 11.15 am and will include an address by Mr Vahland.

A service at the Darnum Memorial – will begin at 10.50 am and conclude at 11.15 am

The time for a service at the Neerim South Cenotaph is still to be determined.

A service will be held at Trafalgar at 11 am while Thorpdale’s service will begin at noon.