Media Release – ANZAC Day 2021 commemorations will proceed in NSW
RSL NSW has today announced that NSW-based ANZAC Day commemoration events, including the Sydney CBD March, can proceed on 25 April this year.
RSL NSW State Secretary Jeff O’Brien said that the leading ex-service support and advocacy service for veterans has been working with the NSW Government to ensure Dawn Services, Marches, and all other commemorative events can take place.
“Under the current health advice, it is permissible for RSL NSW sub-Branches to organise a controlled outdoor event this ANZAC Day,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This is a great result and example of how RSL NSW works with state and federal governments to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.”
To ensure the health and safety of veterans, particularly from World War II, the Sydney CBD March is limited to 500 participants. RSL NSW will conduct a ballot for veterans to participate in the March and places will be allocated across each service branch and conflict from WWII to current operations.
RSL NSW President Ray James said that the League is committed to ensuring that people have access to a range of options to commemorate ANZAC Day. After resounding national success in 2020, the RSL Australia ‘Light up the Dawn’ campaign will be rolled out again this year.
“ANZAC Day has always belonged to the Australian people and that was evident last year when millions of people took to their driveways during the COVID-19 pandemic to personally commemorate veterans by lighting up the dawn,” Mr James said
“I encourage the people of NSW to stay safe, and keep our vulnerable veterans safe, by commemorating locally this ANZAC Day.”
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said he wants to ensure veterans and their families are honoured while keeping their health and wellbeing the top priority.
“The NSW Government and RSL NSW have been working together to ensure ANZAC Day commemorations can proceed in a COVID-safe way in communities across our State.”
“This respect for veterans and their families has never faltered, even at the height of a pandemic. We know NSW communities will continue to show their admiration in 2021.”
Information regarding NSW-based ANZAC Day services, including the Sydney CBD March ballot process, is available on the RSL NSW website.
RSL NSW MEDIA CONTACT: Trina Constable 0497 555 082 or tconstable@rslnsw.org.au
- Within Greater Sydney up to 500 people can attend an event if assigned a seating area and up to 2,000 people can attend if they are assigned to a specific seat.
- Outside of Greater Sydney up to 3,000 people can attend an event if they are assigned to a seating area and up to 5,000 people can attend if they are assigned to a specific seat.
