There were no seats for veterans, no bugler to sound the Last Post and only a few lone wreaths to mark one of the most important days in Australians' calendars.

Instead, due to COVID-19 restrictions, veterans, families and neighbours went to the end of their driveways or tuned in to televised broadcasts of memorial services to pay their respects to those who served in all conflicts.

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In lieu of commemorative speeches usually said at local Anzac Day services, Illawarra RSL sub-branch presidents provided messages to veterans and all residents as they reflect and remember on this special day.

Coledale RSL sub-branch president, Michael Connor said whilst we were unable to march, attend services or have a beer with our mates, we could still fulfill the purpose of Anzac Day, which is to pause, honour and reflect on the 102,888 Australians who volunteered and put themselves in harms way for us, but did not return.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought loss, uncertainty and fear to us all," he said. "On this Anzac Day we can look to the experiences of our grandparents and great grandparents during both the world wars.

"The resilience, compassion and sense of purpose they demonstrated during their dark days is inspirational and provides perspective to our current national emergency."

Austinmer-Thirroul RSL sub-branch president Hori Howard, urged all veterans and the wider community to tune in to one of the broadcast ceremonies and to conduct their own services by standing in their driveways to show their support for our veterans.

"We should remember that there are nearly 3000 members of our defence force deployed overseas, many in harms way, as we battle the coronavirus, which is our war. Don't forget them," he said.

"We urge the friends and families of veterans to give their mates and loved ones a call on Saturday, particularly if they live alone."

City of Wollongong RSL sub-branch president Bruce Kafer said Australians were resilient by nature, so the current COVID-19 restrictions should not deter us from maintaining that heritage of respectful and solemn commemoration of the deeds of our veterans, both past and present.

"This year we veterans in the Illawarra are undoubtedly missing the opportunity to spend time with our comrades, both at commemorative services and proudly participating in the parade through the streets of Wollongong," he said.

"We are also missing the appreciation that thousands of our fellow citizens show for our service to our nation - when they religiously attend Anzac Day events.

"We might be physically separated, but together we can show how we value our veterans."

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This year was an opportunity to take "Anzac Day into the suburbs", Dapto-Port Kembla RSL sub-branch president Ian Taylor said.

"I will do a small service, where I will raise flags, say the Ode and play the Last Post " he said. "I encourage other people to do a small service as well.

"I hope everyone has a wonderful day and once the pandemic is over, I hope veterans rejoin sub-branches and go to clubs so we can have mateship, friendship and companionship again."

Warilla RSL sub-branch president Kim Kearney will put Australian flags on the graves of deceased veterans at Shellharbour cemetery.

He will also lay wreaths at the Shellharbour city memorial and at Caroline Chisholm Park, where the the sub-branch usually holds its memorial service.

Woonona-Bulli RSL sub-branch president Phil Williams said veterans were a resilient group with some enduring much more hardship in their lives than what they were now experiencing.

Whilst Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-branch president Mongo Delamont said even though we were living in uncertain, confusing and stressful times, one thing was for certain: our loyalty, pride and respect for those serving, and those that served our country, was resolute.

"Though we are commemorating our Anzacs in a different format this year, it does not detract from the fact that we are all committed to honouring our men and women in uniform, past and present, with the same level of emotion and reverence as we have done in the past," he said.

Corrimal RSL sub-branch president Morrie Gallina hoped residents "honour those who fought and died for us, who ensured we could enjoy the lifestyle we are accustomed to today," he said.

"We remember them."