COVID-19: Locals will commemorate Anzac Day despite services cancelled

This year will be very different, as the coronavirus health crisis resulted in all Anzac Day services being cancelled.

In March it was announced that all Anzac Day commemorative services would be cancelled, RSL NSW acting president Ray James said the "risk to vulnerable people during the current health situation is simply too high for these events to continue in their traditional format".

But that will not stop locals from finding innovative ways to pay their respect on April 25.

So instead of at the cenotaph, The Last Post can be heard on driveways as residents prepare to play the iconic bugle call.

Locals will also find their own time to reflect on those who have served and continue to serve the country during a minute silence in their lounge rooms.

Dubbo Regional Mayor Ben Shields said the reality is that our very existence as free people is because of the sacrifice that men and women have made in defending Australia.

"Some made the ultimate sacrifice. Australia today owes its very existence to these brave men and women who stood in harm's way defending our country," Councillor Shields said.

"The typical Australian National character features a large component of our Anzac traditions.

"Our unique character of mateship, bravery, larrikinism and sense of duty can be traced back to the traditions of our brave members of our defence forces in times of conflict."

Council will release Anzac Day messages from Cr Shields, Dubbo RSL sub-branch presidents, and a pre-recording of the Last Post on April 25.

Cr Shields said by standing outside at dawn and watching Council's digital ANZAC services via Facebook, residents can still be part of Anzac Day in 2020.

The mayor said he saw this as a real opportunity to show that even with a world-wide pandemic, Australian's can still find a way to commemorate our fallen.

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