Nothing embodies the Australian psyche as much as participation in an ANZAC Day march and commemoration ceremony.
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The impact of COVID-19 in 2020 saw the complete cancellation of any public gathering with the commemoration of ANZAC Day relegated to individuals staging their own 'driveway' dawn services or laying wreaths at cenotaphs.
With communities gradually gaining confidence under the current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, NSW Health is collaborating with RSL NSW to enable a restricted format.
The Wauchope RSL NSW sub-Branch will be working with their local community to host a program of modified marches and services designed to conform to current NSW Health guidelines.
"It is a relief that we can go ahead and organise a modified program on ANZAC Day," president Mick Brownlow said.
"However, navigating the ambiguous guidelines and completing the required COVID-19 Safety Plans has been really onerous.
"What has become apparent will be our need to ask the local community for a large number of volunteers to come forward to be our COVID marshalls on the day, or our plans cannot eventuate."
"The well-being of our veterans is our prime concern so adhering to NSW Health guidelines is paramount to ensure compliance," Mr Brownlow said.
"Participation is always optional, but this year each veteran needs make a decision about their desire to march in our current COVID-controlled environment."
Current guidelines for the spacing of people around the cenotaph is capped at 400.
"It is anticipated that these numbers will not reach 400 for the dawn service but for the popularity of the main service, the cenotaph area will have to be fenced. Marshalls will need to ensure only registered persons are able to assemble within the fenced area," Mr Brownlow said.
"The public is invited to observe the marchers along the traditional route east from the end of Young Street, turning south into Cameron Street and then west along the Oxley Highway to the cenotaph.
"Observers must practice social distancing and if they feel they cannot, then a mask is advised but not mandatory."
Any person wishing to lay a wreath, will also need to be registered to gain access to the cenotaph area.
An initial registration process prior to ANZAC Day will be conducted online and by signing up at the RSL Club's foyer with a cut-off at 7pm on Friday, April 16. These lists will be collated and if there is availability, a call-out on social media will be made until capacity to 400 is reached, with a final cut-off at 5pm on Wednesday, April 21.
On the day, people intending to march to the main service will need to be marked off, COVID-screened and temperature-checked, checked-in via a special QR code and pick up a dedicated wristband in order to have entry to the cenotaph. This process will open from 9am and close at 10.15am at the RSL club to enable registered marchers to assemble in Young Street.
This screening and registration process will also apply to wreath-layers at the cenotaph in order to receive their wristband.
"It is unfortunate that these types of controls have to be used to limit numbers, but these are the current rules set by NSW Health and the NSW government," Mr Brownlow said.
"Any participant in any march and ceremony must be COVID-screened and registered, hence our decision to default to veterans and their relatives with medals being the only ones to march this year.
"Special arrangements will be made for any veteran who prefers to arrive and wait at the cenotaph or travel in cars provided by Port Macquarie Antique and Classic Car Club, but they must contact us for pre-registration.
"This may change and we will actively inform the public via print media, social media and keep a poster at the RSL club stating the latest arrangements."
The Wauchope RSL sub-Branch will also host an information session on Monday, April 12 at 6pm at the RSL Club for anyone who wishes to ask questions about the arrangements. Pre-registration may also be done at this time.
"Local persons who wish to help the sub-Branch with volunteering as a COVID-marshall are also asked to register or attend the information session," Mr Brownlow said.
"Administering these guidelines is a huge organisational task and the only way we can satisfy the authorities and the public's desire to commemorate ANZAC Day with marches and ceremonies."
Registrations can be made through the link on the Wauchope RSL sub-Branch Facebook page or by emailing wauchopesb@rslnsw.org.au for a form, or in person at the Wauchope RSL Club.
