RSL NSW to Cancel ANZAC Day services

Following updates from the NSW Government, RSL NSW has taken the difficult decision to cancel all public ANZAC Day commemoration services across the state. Acting State President Ray James has advised that the risk to the general public and our sub-Branches is too great.

“Given the significant concerns around the spread of COVID-19, we simply cannot allow such large gatherings as we see each year on ANZAC Day to go ahead. This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The RSL has a responsibility to act in the best interests of veterans and the general public.”

While traditional commemorative services will no longer go ahead, ANZAC Day is still a day of recognition and for many Australians, the most important day in our commemorative calendar.

“ANZAC Day as a marker of our respect and admiration for ANZACs past and present will still be observed” said Ray James. “Exactly what form this will take will be different from previous years, but as custodians of commemoration, the RSL will still honour the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemen and women. In these challenging times, we will remember them.”

ENDS

Media contact: Michael Green – mgreen@rslnsw.org.au – 0419 432 535