I encourage all Tasmanians to commemorate ANZAC day this 25 April and give thanks for the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country.
While we are faced with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Tasmanian Liberal Government has been actively working with RSL Tasmania and ABC Tasmania to ensure that all Tasmanians have the opportunity to pay their respects and participate in a special commemorative service from their homes.
This year, to protect the health and safety of our veterans and all who honour them, we are asking Tasmanians to follow Australian Government instructions not to gather in groups, and instead commemorate the day in different ways:
This year, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra will hold a private, nationally televised Anzac Day commemorative service. The traditional Dawn Service, National Ceremony and veterans’ march will not take place. For more information on broadcast and streaming services and start times, please visit www.awm.gov.au
Let’s be united in the ANZAC spirit. Across the nation, Australians are being invited to honour the service of our Defence Forces, past and present, by standing at their front door or on their balcony at 6.00am and observing a minute’s silence.
In a special event, RSL Tasmania will hold a private service. The event will not be open to the public but we invite you to join in the live broadcast via ABC’s Facebook page and local radio. For more information on broadcast and streaming services visit www.rsltas.org.au. This is a joint initiative of RSL Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government. For more information, please contact RSL Tasmania by email at admin@rsltas.org.au or by telephone on (03) 6242 8900.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is a strong supporter of Tasmania’s veterans and ex-serving community, and we provide funding to a number of projects to assist veterans and commemorate their sacrifice.
The Government is also making available $500,000 to commercial trading RSL sub-branches and ex-serving organisations impacted by the COVID-19 to assist them to find stability through these times of uncertainty and continue to support their veteran community.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be made available and administered through the Department of Communities Tasmania.
With over 10,500 veterans and ex-serving personnel in Tasmania, the valuable assistance, support and advocacy provided by the RSL and ex-serving organisations to veterans and their families is needed now, more than ever.
Lest we forget.