Preparations are well underway across the region for the return of public ANZAC Day commemorative ceremonies and the community are invited to attend COVID-19 safe events to honour those who have served our proud nation.
After services and marches were cancelled nation-wide last year due to social distancing restrictions, Southern Downs Regional Council is currently working with local community organisations including the RSL to collaborate on a calendar of befitting events. While the 2020 ‘Light up your driveway’ campaign was warmly embraced by the community, Southern Downs Councillor Marco Gliori was delighted that ANZAC Day ceremonies would again return in a more traditional format.
“In recent years, ANZAC Day services have been strongly supported locally and across the nation, indicating that many Australians acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifice service men and women, past and present, have been willing to make for our security,” Councillor Gliori said. “In modern Australia, it is essential our defence personnel returning from service are provided with
ongoing care and support. Our community has the opportunity to show we care by attending ceremonies such as ANZAC Day.
“Most of us have a deep and personal connection to those who have and continue to selflessly and courageously serve and protect our nation. “Through commemorative ANZAC Day gatherings, we stand together as a community to acknowledge the many stories of sacrifice, loss and resilience that surface during any military engagement. It is wonderful to see that traditional services and ceremonies will return in 2021 so we can pause to show our respect to those who demonstrated acts of courage and sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedom today.”
People attending events are reminded to practice social distancing and are encouraged to congregate in family groups. Please refer to the attached list of ANZAC Day services across the region.
Due to restrictions, the Stanthorpe Civil Service will be replaced with a modified wreath laying ceremony after the March. The wreath laying ceremony will include elements of the service and residents are encouraged to attend this outdoor ceremony and pay respects in a way that is most comfortable to them; be in laying a wreath or simply observing a moment’s silence and being present.
Western Downs communities are being invited to honour the services of Australian and New Zealand men and women who have, and continue to, bravely defend our values and freedom as part of this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations.
Western Downs Regional Council will deliver services and events across the region on Sunday 25 April in partnership with dedicated local RSL sub-branches and community groups. Mayor Paul McVeigh encouraged local residents, community groups and visitors to come together and take part in Anzac Day services happening across our region. “Anzac Day services are an opportunity to support our communities and the people within them as we commemorate and contemplate the legacy of those who have bravely served our country, and those who never returned home,” Cr McVeigh said.
“We have a multitude of ceremonies happening across the region where residents and visitors can attend and pay their respects and have the opportunity to lay a wreath at a commemorative service. While it was so special to see our community band together and pay their respects from their driveways last year, it’s wonderful to be able to proceed with services in 2021. On behalf of Council, I would like to thank local RSL sub-branches and community groups for generously giving their time to help plan and coordinate this year’s services around the region.”
ANZAC Commemorations are COVID safe, and anyone feeling unwell is reminded to stay home.
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