By Luke Voogt
Torquay RSL has urged locals to stand in their driveways and remember those who fought and died for their country, following the cancellation of traditional Anzac Day services.
The call comes as COVID-19 social-distancing regulations force the cancellation of the traditional Point Danger dawn service and march.
“This year, Anzac Day is different, not abandoned,” Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said.
“We ask Torquay residents to stay home and commemorate the fallen early on Anzac Day from near their letter boxes.”
Mr Tyler pleaded for residents not to go to Point Danger at dawn to avoid crowds forming.
“It is our responsibility to help protect the old and vulnerable, the young and the disabled,” Mr Tyler said.
He instead encouraged them to remember the fallen and honour those still serving by lighting a candle and standing in their driveway at dawn.
Flags at Point Danger will fly at half-mast on Anzac Day to commemorate those who fought, died or had been wounded in service to Australia, before being raised at noon.
Mr Tyler said citizens could lay wreaths or place poppies at the Point Danger memorial throughout the day but warned them to maintain social distancing.
Some local people and groups would donate to Torquay RSL’s welfare work instead of laying a wreath this year, he said.
The cancellation of ANZAC badge sales this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, had “decimated” Torquay RSL’s funds for welfare work, Mr Tyler said.
“Because [of this] we have been pleased to receive donations to our welfare account.”
To donate: www.rslvic.com.au/rsl-network/victorian-map-of-all-branches/torquay or phone Mr Tyler on 0417 142 156.
