Michaela Meade
Anzac Day services are going ahead for the Craigieburn and Epping communities.
Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee and the Epping RSL will be holding services on Sunday to mark the day.
After not being able to hold their usual dawn and 10am services last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee are happy to be able to hold a 10am service this year, president Kevin O’Callaghan said.
Mr O’Callaghan said the committee has been planning the service since January.
“We’re not able to hold a dawn service like we normally would because it’s so difficult,” he said.
“We have to make sure people know that if they’re feeling unwell [or have symptoms or are waiting for test results], they shouldn’t come.
“We’re not inviting schools or community groups to lay wreaths, to try and keep the time down [to 30 minutes].”
According to Mr O’Callaghan, at least 60 sheets with a registration QR code will be displayed at Craigieburn Anzac Park, and 30 marshalls will be registering people.
Mr O’Callaghan said he has organised extra marshalls “just in case”, and the committee has received a “great deal of community support” for the service.
“The community response has been that they’re really pleased, and are understanding of all the restrictions,” he said.
“If people don’t want to attend because they’re concerned, we’re encouraging them to come [to the memorial] at another time.”
The committee is encouraging people to arrive 15 minutes before the service, to allow for registration.
Epping RSL president Kevin Ind said the ability to hold a service this year was “pleasing”.
“A lot of time and effort went into making sure it could go ahead,” he said.
“Neighbouring RSL members might come to ours.
“Everyone’s invited… there will be QR codes and marquee’s for registering.
“We’re going to have people monitoring people getting out of cars.”
Mr Ind said the ability to commemorate the day was “great”.
“We’ve got a really supportive committee who really wanted it to happen.
“It’s important to commemorate the day.
“It’s important for the Epping RSL… to recognise the fallen, and the current… every defence force person and their families.”
