Driveway service instead of service at cenotaph

The traditional Anzac Day services have been cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ettalong Diggers has joined RSL branches around Australian in asking people to stand instead in their driveways for the 6am dawn service on Anzac Day/

"Even though we can't hold formal commemorations we can still pay respects from our home," she said Ettalong Diggers information officer Ms Kim Cole.

"This can take several forms, including from the end of your driveway, or within your home, with a candle or the light on your phone."

Patron of the Ettalong-based Vietnam Veterans and Peacekeepers Association on the Central Coast, Cr Chris Holstein, said the RSL initiative of standing out for a minute's silence "would bring some sort of normality to the tradition and I think it's important as a mark of respect".

"I hope that someone in your street who can play the bugle or some other musical instrument will sound the Last Post, then a minute's silence before the Reveille," he said.

"I'll have my phone turned up loud when we go out in our street."

Ettalong Diggers has also taken up another initiative of creating a field of poppies through the community in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

"You can download the drawing of a poppy on the Diggers website and colour it red and then place in your window to show remembrance and support for our diggers," Ms Cole said.

Central Coast Council will commemorate Anzac Day with the laying of a wreath at various memorial sites across the Coast.

"There are still many ways our community can mark the national day of remembrance and pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives," she said.

"Take pause in your home with a minute's silence, light a candle in your driveway at 6am, or view the ANZAC Day coverage on ABC television, facebook or YouTube channel."

The service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra will be televised across the nation.

SOURCE

Media statement, 15 Apr 2020

Kim Cole, Ettalong Diggers.

Interview (Sue Murray), 15 Apr 2020

Cr Chris Holstein, VVPPAACC.

Media statement, 16 Apr 2020

Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews.