Anzac Day services to go ahead as normal in Queensland

Anzac Day commemorations will take place as normal in Queensland, with marches and dawn services to be held as they would any other year, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced.

"In times of strife, Queenslanders do what it takes to protect each other. We've done it in wartime, and we're doing it now through the global pandemic," Ms Palaszczuk wrote in a post on Twitter this morning.

"Because we've worked together to keep safe, this year we can safely gather to mark the sacrifices of those who have served."

https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1363944012005011457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Speaking to reporters later, the premier urged Queenslanders to turn out in big numbers for Anzac Day services.

"As a sign of respect let's turn out in full force in appreciation of the people who served our country," she said.

There will be no restriction on numbers at outdoor Queensland Anzac events, with a march to be held in Brisbane's CBD.

There will also be no requirement for people to wear masks, Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young confirmed.

Queensland RSL president Tony Ferris said he was delighted by the news.

"The fact that we now have Anzac Day back is hair on the back of the neck stuff," he said.

"It's a great day for Queensland, it's absolutely fantastic."

Last year, Anzac Day was marked by Australians standing in their driveways and lighting a candle at dawn as marches were cancelled amid stringent COVID-19 restrictions.

It is not yet known what type of Anzac Day services will take place in other states.

Victoria 'working hard' on Anzac Day plans

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said the Victorian Government was working hard to have an Anzac Day that is "as close to normal as possible". 

It comes as Victoria's Anzac Day celebrations, including Melbourne's iconic march, have been cancelled due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak. 

"We are working very closely with veteran groups," he said.

"It's too early for us to be definitive about it - but obviously the march is an important part of that day."

from 9News https://ift.tt/3pKVhlu
via IFTTT