The traditional dawn and morning services have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Clubs and hotels are also closed as part of the shutdown of non-essential services announced by the federal government.

However sub-branches within the local government area have thrown their support behind the move to hold a vigil to coincide with the dawn and morning services.

Residents are being asked to stand in their driveways, verandahs or balconies, observing a minutes' silence or holding a candle.

Port Macquarie RSL sub-Branch president and OAM, Greg Laird has backed the calls.

"I think it is a wonderful and lovely way to honour Anzac Day," he said.

"The driveway or verandah vigil is just a fantastic concept.

"We would certainly urge people to support the idea," he said.

"Our sub-Branch also encourages everyone who normally lays a wreath to still go down to the cenotaph too.

"I understand that the last post and reveille will be played on ABC radio at the appropriate time."

Mr Laird said he was acutely aware that people should not congregate at the cenotaph.

He encouraged people to place a wreath or visit their local cenotaph throughout the day.

"People are really going to miss not being able to commemorate Anzac Day," he said.

"It is a big part of our lives and that is obvious from the large attendances we get in Port Macquarie for both the dawn and morning services.

"They will feel a bit lost, not being able to attend.

"It is actually quite sad," he said.

Kendall sub-Branch president Lance Gainey said he had already been approached by a number of people interested in participating in a driveway vigil.

"And I haven't heard anyone say it is a bad idea," he said. "Everyone I've spoken with about it says it is a great idea.

"Our own members are disappointed in not being able to attend Anzac Day services this year.

"But they understand that something has to be done in relation to COVID-19.

"I never thought that I would see it come to this," he said.

Mr Gainey said flags will be raised at the Kendall cenotaph and he encouraged people to lay a wreath during the day.

"Go for your life," he said.

Laurieton's RSL boss John Parrott says the cenotaph park will be open on Anzac Day and he also encouraged people to lay a wreath.

However, he urged members of the public who planned to visit the cenotaph to recognise social distancing rules.

"Just remember the four metre rule," he said.

Mr Parrott also praised the concept of an Anzac Day vigil in residents' driveways, verandahs or balconies.

"As far as the dawn service candle vigil or minutes' silence, that would be excellent," he said.

"It reinforces the fact that Anzac Day services, as the years go on, are getting stronger and stronger within peoples' recognition of the services of our defence force personnel.

"Last year's dawn service was attended by around 1000 people while the Kendall service was also really well received.

"Anyone who thinks that Anzac Day is outdated, is just crazy," he said.

Mr Parrott - a returned serviceman - says he feels "quite humble and proud" that people are wanting to still stop and reflect on the meaning of Anzac Day.

The Queensland RSL state president Tony Ferris says the push to honour Anzac Day services shows the qualities of the Anzac spirit - ingenuity, humour, endurance, courage and mateship.

All three sub-Branch presidents said they would be visiting the cenotaph on Anzac Day and laying a wreath.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend their local cenotaph but are reminded of social distancing guidelines.

The Port News also contacted Wauchope RSL sub-Branch president Michael Brownlow for comment.

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