Groups of up to 100 people will be able to congregate for Memorial Day services on the Central Coast, thanks to the one-time waiver of COVID-19 restrictions
A one-time exemption from the Public Health Act increases the number of people permitted to congregate at Community War Memorials from 20 to 100, as communities prepare to honor all service members who made the utmost sacrifice in the defense of Australia, on November 11
On the coast, RSL sub-branches across the region are preparing to provide socially distant services, but according to some, these services remain a logistical nightmare, even with the waiver in place
Greg Mawson is the MCSD Chair of RSL Sub-Chapters, and he said that many local subsidiaries have acknowledged their bitter disappointment because the same problems that plagued ANZAC are now affecting Memorial Day
“After ANZAC Day is lost, we expect people to go out in large numbers on the 11th, so we ask residents to pay attention to the restrictions
“We don’t want to exclude anyone, but we also can’t risk the health of society or fine one of our branches for breaking the rules.
Added to the problems of the sub-branches is the difficulty of organizing alternative arrangements for Memorial Day services, which are always done at 11:00 on the eleventh of the eleventh month
The Entrance Long Jetty RSL subsection usually hosts the largest ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services in the Northern Suburbs
The head of the sub-branch, Les Macy, said that while this year’s service will be less important, his committee has moved the mountains to make sure they are safe from Covid
“We will be setting up a service for 100 people in a cordoned off area near The Entrance Cenotaph
“Twenty seats have been reserved for committee members and other guests to help administer the service, with the possibility of reserving the other 80 seats for members of the public who wish to attend
“The service will be shorter than usual, but it will still have the introduction, singing the national anthem and prayers, reading the poem, and playing The Last Post and Reveille,” Mackie explained.
According to Mackie, the sub-branch committee had to present the Covid-Plan to the Board, Health and Police Department, while outlining their service plans, with St John Ambulance personnel on hand to keep the Covid record, plus the police, who would enforce social distancing / p>
While the Seating Service is populated by the first online record in terms of best-looking, Mackie said residents who missed out could still monitor the service from afar, provided they stand far from the bunker
With such blanket protection in place, Mackie said he is cautiously optimistic that the service will continue without incident, but acknowledged that times are uncertain for many.
“There are members of my committee who will not attend because they feel it is not safe to do so, which is completely understandable
“Everyone needs to do what is best for them, but I encourage everyone to think of other ways in which they can express their respect rather than just attending a service,” he said.
Acting Veterans Secretary Geoff Lee said that while disrupting larger ceremonies such as service in The Entrance is inevitable, the waiver would allow at least smaller services to be offered in all communities across NSW
Dr. Lee said, « Australians have paused to reflect and praise at 11:00 on the 11th of the 11th month since 1918, so this is welcome news for the veteran community. »
People unwilling or unable to attend the service are encouraged to place a wreath or flowers at the local memorial or war memorial throughout the day
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