Released 22/04/2020
Canberrans are encouraged to participate in alternative ANZAC day activities to honour Australians who have served our nation.
The ACT Government recognises this is a challenging time for all in our community, but that ANZAC Day this year may be particularly difficult for current and ex-serving veterans.
Minister for Seniors and Veterans Gordon Ramsay said while COVID-19 restrictions were impacting on how we are commemorating ANZAC Day this year, it should not prevent us from remembering the significant contribution of our service men and women.
“This year will be different from how we have traditionally commemorated ANZAC Day, however there are many ways we can honour people who have served in the Australian Defence Force while still adhering to distancing guidelines,” Minister Ramsay said.
The ACT Government is supporting and encouraging Canberrans to engage in a range of commemorative activities including:
Participating in the dawn service at home by standing at the end of their driveway at 5.30am on ANZAC Day.
Observing a minute of silence at 11.30am and holding up a poppy flower at your window.
Significant Canberrans will be laying wreaths at sites across Canberra on behalf of the public.
These sites include the Turkish Pine Forest at the National Arboretum, St Johns Church, Reid and the Peace Memorial near the Legislative assembly
The safest thing to do is to stay at home, but members of the public can also either lay a wreath or leave a poppy at sites of significance across Canberra - in line with physical distancing requirements.
- Do not go if you are unwell.
- Only go with people from your household group or in groups of two.
- Try to keep 1.5m away from other people.
- Do not dwell, leave the area as soon as possible.
- Wash or sterilise your hands often.
A range of online activities for children are also available from www.communityservicesdirectorate.act.gov.au
Everyone is encouraged to share their ANZAC Day commemorations on social media using the hashtag #CBRANZACDay
“We hope that the Canberra community will join us in commemorating ANZAC Day this year through these activities. It is more important now than ever to come together as a community and continue our traditions in any way that we can,” Minister Ramsay said.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases