Words by Kylie Knight
The ongoing threat of COVID-19 has forced Redcliffe RSL to scale back Anzac Day commemorations to just one service this year and it is still urging people to Light Up the Dawn at home.
The Dawn Service will be the only official commemoration on Sunday, April 25 and it will be held under a COVID Safe plan, with limited invitation-only seating in the official area.
It will be reserved for veterans, people with mobility issues and invited guests, and will be half the usual capacity.
Redcliffe RSL Vice-President Cheryl Barrett says the changes aim to keep everyone in the community safe, particularly the most vulnerable.
“We’re only having the Dawn Service because that’s the service we have a COVID Safe event plan for,” Ms Barrett says.
What’s happening
This year’s march is for veterans only. Family members representing veterans or accompanying them will not be permitted. Those taking part will need to register at Baker St using a QR code at 4.30am.
The march will start at 5.15am ahead of the service at 5.30am. Only those who have registered will be permitted to march.
QR codes will be available at Anzac Place for those in the official area, and others attending outside this area are encouraged to register for contact-tracing purposes.
The service will end by 6.30am and the general public can lay wreaths after this time until 7.30am.
Ms Barrett says the RSL is encouraging everyone attending to wear a mask and is reminding the community Lighting up the Dawn at home was the best way to honour our Diggers.
“If you don’t need to be there, it’s better to do it safely at the end of your driveway,” she says.
The Dawn Service will be broadcast live on radio 99.7FM from 5.30am and replayed at noon.
This year’s theme is World War II comes to Australia and the service will include a slideshow illustrating the attack on Pearl Harbour, bombings of Darwin, Broome, Townsville and submarines in Sydney Harbour.
Where to park
Parking will not be provided at Redcliffe Showground this year, as its Sunday markets will be running, but there will be parking at Pearson Park, Klingner Rd (adjacent to the TAFE campus). The SES will be onsite to assist, but there will not be a shuttle bus.
Disability parking will be available across the road from Redcliffe Police Station.
Read our profile on WWII and Korean War veteran Peter Craig here
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