News last week that an increased number of people would now be permitted to attend Anzac Day services has been well received by the RSL sub-branches across Port Stephens.
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Vic Jones, president of Raymond Terrace RSL Sub-Branch, said that the club was planning to conduct both dawn and morning services after discussions with Port Stephens Council staff and representatives from the local police command.
But while marches would be going ahead at the Tilligerry RSL Sub-Branch Anzac Day service, they remained off limits at Raymond Terrace.
"We will hold an Anzac Day dawn service and main service in Anzac Park, Raymond Terrace, and the traditional Anzac Day service at the Knitting Circle memorial on Newline Road, East Seaham, on Sunday, April 25," Mr Jones said.
"However, due to COVID-19 requirements and organisational limitations, the usual Anzac Day marches will not be held this year.
"The theme this year will focus on the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, and as such I have requested an Air Force fly-past for the event.
"Also, our traditional local Last Post' ceremony at both the dawn and main services will feature a local RAAF veteran. The Commander of the Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tim Alsop, will deliver the Theme of Anzac address at the main service, and it too will follow the theme of the 100 years of RAAF service to Australia."
Participants are being requested to assemble for the Raymond Terrace dawn service at the memorial located on the corner of Jacaranda Avenue and Port Stephens Street, at 5.45am for the service to run from 5.50am to 6.20am.
"A gunfire breakfast will follow in the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, however numbers may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions."
Participants of the East Seaham service, to take place at the memorial located on Newline Road, East Seaham, will then assemble at 8.50am for 9-9.30am ceremony.
Mr Jones said that the Raymond Terrace main service will run from 11-11.40am to be followed by refreshments at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.
"Due to COVID-19 restrictions and registration requirements, the number of participants (officials, invited guests, veterans and their families, etc) is limited this year, but the public is most welcome to attend any of these services to observe the commemoration.
"All people attending the services must comply with the restrictions in force and must observe the social distancing requirements. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of a cold or flu; have been within a designated COVID-19 hotspot in the previous two weeks; or are required to be in isolation awaiting test results; please do not attend the service."
Mr Jones said that while Anzac Day services would be scaled back to some degree this year, Port Stephens residents were being encouraged to get involved in some form of commemoration on the day.
"Not every resident or visitor will have the opportunity to gather at one of the services being held to honour our Anzacs, but I would still encourage them to take the time to remember our veterans by participating in the national 'Light Up the Dawn' campaign which was so well-supported last year," he said.
"By decorating your driveway, fence or letterbox, and coming to the end of your driveway with a light or candle before the dawn, you and your neighbours will also be ensuring that the spirit of the Anzacs is commemorated."
Raymond Terrace
No mid-morning march.
5.45am: Dawn Service at the Anzac Park war memorial followed by a gunfire breakfast at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.
11am: Morning service at Anzac Park (Jacaranda Avenue)
Seaham
9am: Service at the Knitting Circle Memorial in Newline Road
Nelson Bay
No dawn service or mid-morning march.
10.30am: Anzac Day service in Apex Park, Nelson Bay
11.45am: Luncheon at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers for invited guests
Karuah
No mid-morning service at the Karuah RSL memorial wall.
5.45am: March from the garage on the Old Pacific Highway to Memorial Park for 6am Dawn Service.
Breakfast at Karuah RSL will be restricted to members and their guests, uniformed participants, and ticket holders. The club will open to the general public at 10am.
Tanilba Bay
Anzac Day march and services as normal.
5.45am: Dawn Service at Tilligerry RSL Sports Club war memorial followed by gunfire breakfast for gold coin donation.
9.30am: March from the southern gates of Avenue of the Allies, Tanilba Bay to the club for 9.45am service.
Medowie
Dawn service has been restricted to sub branch members only. A flag will be flying all day at Lions Park for anyone wanting to lay a wreath.
Stockton
Stockton RSL Sub-Branch will not hold Anzac Day commemoration services this year. The sub-branch is encouraging the community to Light Up the Dawn as they did last year.
