Anzac Day service cancelled

TOOWOOMBA’S Anzac Day dawn and midmorning services at the Mother’s Memorial will not go ahead this year.

Co-chairman of the Toowoomba Regional Council Anzac Day Planning Group Lawrie Asgill said that because of the Returned Services

League Queensland directive advising sub branches to cancel this year’s commemorations in the face of the COVID-19 threat, the TRC Anzac Day Planning Group would follow suit.

Mr Asgill said two cemetery services held in the lead-up to Anzac Day had also been cancelled.

He said it was “very disappointing” but that the current situation was “uncharted waters for all of us”.

But while the usual services have been called off, the Toowoomba United RSL Sub Branch is working on a backup plan.

Sub branch president Roland Thompson said his organisation was looking at alternative ways to commemorate Anzac Day while working with the council and adhering to any laws and restrictions mandated by the government.

Mr Thompson said at this early stage of planning, the sub branch was looking at potentially live streaming a small ceremony.

Anzac Day also generates revenue for the sub branch, which it used to fund its welfare services to the wider veteran community.

“Even though the Anzac Day commemoration services have been cancelled, it is still a national day of commemoration,” sub branch secretary Wendy Holt said.

“It’s still a day to remember, and we’d like them to do that by purchasing a small poppy or badge wherever they see them available.

“We’re also appealing to any busineses or organisations in the community, if they could assist with making poppies and badges available for sale through their workplace.

“Or, they could purchase a quantity and distribute to their staff as a goodwill gesture.”

The sub branch is also looking at setting up an online ordering system for poppies and badges through the Toowoomba United RSL Sub Branch’s Facebook page.