Surf Coast RSLs hold private services for Anzac Day

SURF Coast RSLs held private services on Anzac Day to ensure they met social distancing requirements.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said it was good to still go to Port Danger and remember those who served despite the strange circumstances.

“I laid the wreath and we raised the flags. It was incredible to have just the six of us there rather than 14,000. It was just surreal.”

Anglesea RSL held a service in the front yard of their Murray Street block.

While the service also maintained social distancing regulations, several people from the Lions Village next door and from along the street watched and listened from their yards.

The Anglesea RSL similarly went through the traditional process of raising the flags and laying the wreaths, including one laid on behalf of the Surf Coast Shire council.

Anglesea RSL president Peter Van Den Hoogen said the service “went well,” even though he missed having more of the community involved.

Lorne RSL president Craig Hunt similarly said it was a shame to have the service largely separate from the community, but said it still provided a very valuable chance for reflection.

“It was a totally different and very moving experience. It was so quiet. We had a lovely sunrise and it gave us more time to reflect on our comrades and I think that made it more poignant. It was just special this time.”

The community was not completely removed from the service, as a sound system meant much of the town could listen in to proceedings, including those taking part in the driveway vigils.

Mr Hunt said he hoped the experience of the service would influence future Anzac Days.

“I really hope to see us incorporate both methods next year.”