Anzac Day events have been cancelled in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania after the federal government banned mass gatherings in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Returned and Services League of Australia WA chief executive John McCourt told ABC radio on Monday plans were underway for some sort of commemoration for 25 April using social media and live streaming.
The WA government declared a state of emergency on Sunday, warning those who breach the 14-day self-isolation ban after returning from overseas will be fined up to $50,000.
RSL NSW made the “difficult” decision to cancel “all public ANZAC Day commemoration services” on Monday afternoon.
“Given the significant concerns around the spread of COVID-19, we simply cannot allow such large gatherings as we see each year on ANZAC Day to go ahead,” acting state president Ray James said.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The RSL has a responsibility to act in the best interests of veterans and the general public.”
ANZAC Day traditions will still be observed, Mr James added.
“Exactly what form this will take will be different from previous years, but as custodians of commemoration, the RSL will still honour the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemen and women. In these challenging times, we will remember them.”
Some services in Victoria will still be held, but with wide-ranging restrictions.
Melbourne's Anzac Day march has been cancelled, while the dawn service at the Shrine Of Remembrance will go ahead with no crowd.
The Dawn Service will also be modified to minimise the virus risk.
A bugler plays during the Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Thursday, April 25, 2019 Source: AAP
Victorian RSL sub-branches are to conduct a single Anzac Day service, also without the public.
RSL-held services and subsequent marches have also been called off in Tasmania.
"It was a tough decision because a lot of the sub-branches would have been organising these events from February onwards," State President Robert Dick told AAP.
"A lot of preparation work has already been done. But I emphasise the fact that public safety and wellbeing is more important."
Mr Dick said many older veterans fall in the group most at-risk from coronavirus.
"The consequences could be devastating and we don't want to put people in that position," he said.
"We're asking people in their own private way to pay respects to our serving and ex-service members.
"Even if it's like on Remembrance Day, where you take a moment around 11 o'clock to pause and reflect on those who have gone before."
Additional reporting by Evan Young.
