Illawarra residents are being urged to display their Anzac spirit by safely participating in a private dawn service at home.
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Australians are asked to commemorate the day at home by lighting a candle to fallen heroes on their front lawns, in their driveways or on their balconies or verandahs at 6am.
This movement is due to RSL Sub-Branches across Australia not being able to host traditional commemorative services and parades this Anzac Day due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Wollongong RSL Sub-Branch president Bruce Kafer, also chair of the Illawarra Anzac Day Organising Committee, said it was important that the community honours the service of Australian and allied Defence Forces, past and present.
"Even though we are separated, we can still commemorate Anzac Day in a dignified way," he said.
"The means that we can use to do that include that at 6am on Anzac Day, facing the east... If you can't find the east, that will be where the sun is rising at that time of day, and recite The Ode and have a moment's silence or reflection."
From 5.30am on Anzac Day, a short closed commemorative service will be streamed from the Australian War Memorial on several stations, comprised of The Ode, The Last Post, a minute's silence and the Rouse.
"Then at 6am, we can all go out to our balconies or driveways with candles, or if the weather's unkind our living rooms, and do something that way," Mr Kafer said.
"There are other things you can do on the day to educate our children about Anzac Day, such as bake some Anzac biscuits."
The RSL is also encouraging Australians to unite digitally and show their support on social media with the hashtags #ANZACspirit and #lightupthedawn.
Families are encouraged to make a short video reciting The Ode to post online before Anzac Day, or to produce video messages of support for our veterans and their families.
Messages can also be in the form of personal tributes and photos.
Other official national and state commemorative events will also be televised and broadcast live this Anzac Day.
By necessity there will be very few people present at each of these events:
*10am - NSW Commemorative Service at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
*11.30am - National Two-Minute Reflection - Ode, Last Post and minute's silence.
*6.55pm - Governor General's Anzac Day message.
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Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
