Circular 7/21 12 March 2021 ANZAC Day Update

Dear Honorary Secretary,

Further to the President’s email to Members on Tuesday, I want to assure you that I have not forgotten about his advice that I would issue a Circular in relation to the easing of restrictions for ANZAC Day commemorations.

You will note in Circular 4/21 that I advised that as the pandemic evolves to please bear in mind that the format of events may be required to change or be cancelled at any time in accordance with the direction of NSW Health.

In response to calls from the veteran community, politicians, and media for ANZAC Day commemorations to proceed ‘as usual’, the President has requested an exemption to the Public Health Order for unticketed event with unlimited participants and spectators. This situation is still evolving at an hourly rate.

As soon as we have received final advice from the NSW Government about how ANZAC Day commemorations can proceed, I will advise you accordingly. I am conscious that the information is ambiguous and the team at ANZAC House is committed to working through how to best communicate what any exemption guidelines mean for you as you volunteer your time to plan COVID-safe events in your community.

In the meantime, the outline of the current guidelines for the exemption to the Public Health Order are:

• The Sydney CBD March can now host up to 5,000 participants (who must not exceed one person per 2 square meters of space)
• For all other locations in NSW (both within or outside of Greater Sydney), any march or service can have up to 3,000 people (who must not exceed one person per 2 square meters of space)
• The RSL NSW State Branch and sub-Branches must submit an updated COVID-19 Safety Plan for any commemoration event that they organise. Registrations at the events are essential.

I would recommend that you do not commence making any changes to the COVID-19 Safety Plans that are already underway in consultation with your Police Area Command and Councils until you receive formal advice from me by way of Circular about the final arrangements for ANZAC Day this year.

As a result of announcements made to media outside of our control unfortunately there is a lot of mixed messaging and incorrect information circulating the state. If you have any questions or require support to plan your events, please contact the Member Support Team on 1300 679 775 or support@rslnw.org.au