With uncertainty on whether or not social restrictions will be eased for Anzac Day, Ettalong Diggers has planned three COVID safe services to be held at the club for invited guests only.
General Manager, Bill Jackson, said a dawn service would be held at 5.30am, followed by a Vietnam Vets service at 8am and a mid-morning service at 10.30am.
At this stage, there will not be any marches on the Peninsula, nor any services at the Woy Woy or Ettalong cenotaphs.
All three services will be strictly by invitation only with invitations being restricted to current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, their partners and family, current or former Service personnel from other countries and their partners and a limited number of dignitaries.
“We regret that public invitations will not be possible and subsequently must ask members of the public to please recognise Anzac Day 2021 in the same way that ANZAC Day 2020 was so beautifully remembered,” Jackson said.
All three services will be live streamed via FaceBook for the community to enjoy.
Woy Woy Ettalong Hardy’s Bay RSL Sub Branch President, Bevan Router, said the plans were welcome.
“Last year we couldn’t hold any services at all because of lockdown and the logistics of trying to organise a public service this year are just too great,” he said.
“We are all in favour of these COVID safe services at the club.”
Vietnam Veterans’ Peacekeepers’ & Peacemakers’ Association of Australia Gosford City Sub-Branch President, Alan Ball, said his organisation was also in favour of the move.
“Last year we held a very small commemoration under COVID restrictions, so we are pleased this has been organised for us this year,” he said.
Jackson said the cost of establishing services at the Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach cenotaphs was prohibitive and would be difficult to police, with numbers restricted to 500.
He expects around 400 people to attend services at the club.
These will be followed by a luncheon and entertainment with Nathan Foley, which is open to members, but bookings are essential.
The club will be closed to members and the public until noon on the day.
Jackson said arrangements could change if more restrictions were lifted.
Terry Collins