Anzac service to sound on air

THIS Saturday will mark only the second time Ballarat’s Anzac dawn service has been majorly impacted since the annual tradition began.

The first interruption was in 1919, when the Spanish flu meant a service wasn’t at all possible, and this year sees the limitations of COVID-19.

But Ballarat RSL president, Alan Douglass said his group has been determined to coordinate a 6am event of some form, with the help of contemporary broadcasting.

“We’re conducting a service at 3BA over the air,” he said.

“Brett Macdonald from 3BA will MC the service, the mayor will be in attendance giving a talk, I will be saying The Ode, Bishop Garry Weatherill will say a prayer, and bugler Tamara Barrett will play The Last Post.

“There will be one minute’s silence, The Rouse, I’ll say ‘lest we forget,’ before the first part of the national anthem.”

Although remote, Mr Douglass said organisers want the community to make themselves a part of the audio formalities. As the service is delivered live from Lydiard Street, Ballarat RSL hopes the city gets on board Aussies & Kiwis for Anzacs movement, Driveway at Dawn.

“Tune in on the radio, take it outside, light a candle at the end of your driveway or at your front gate, and you will be part of the commemoration,” he said.

“The value is that you’re able to be part of a service to remember those who went to war and sacrificed their life. Anzac Day is one of the most important, national occasions.”

3BA general manager, John Fitzgibbon said any opportunity for connectedness is important during the current “crisis.”

“Anzac Day is one of those hugely important moments. This means a lot for the team here to be able to mark this day with a local dawn service, and we hope that it means as much for the Ballarat community,” he said.

Find the Ballarat dawn service on the radio at 6am via 3BA, 102.3FM. Mr Douglass will also lay a wreath at the Ballarat Cenotaph.

Each year, 25 April marks the anniversary of World War One’s initial major military actions fought by Australians and New Zealanders.

RSL Victoria is asking residents to donate to their largest annual veterans’ support fundraiser, the Anzac Appeal, via anzacappeal.com.au, as their team of volunteers will not be on the streets this year.