With the cancellation of all Anzac Day events across the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Narromine Shire mayor is calling for the community to keep ex-servicemen and women in mind while house-bound on April 25.
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RSL NSW announced that all public Anzac Day services would not be going ahead after the federal government announced bans on 'non-essential' outdoor gatherings of more than two people.
Narromine Shire mayor Craig Davies said, while it is a shame, it is essential to protect members of the community.
"Anzac ceremonies have been cancelled, which is a real shame," he said.
"But given the fact we have something in the order of 1800 residents in the shire who are aged 60 or above it would be very [negligent] of us to go ahead and jeopardise their health."
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In response to the situation, Cr Davies has called for the community to keep ex-servicemen and women in their thoughts.
"I think at the end of the day it's a wise decision, and I hope everyone has their own little ceremony and remembers those who have served their country and paid the ultimate price, because we really do owe them a huge debt," he said.
Cr Davies said the community are welcome to lay wreathes at the cenotaph, but had stressed the importance of maintaining their personal safety in doing so.
In the days since, many Australians have taken to social media to advocate alternative methods of commemoration.
A Facebook post suggesting Australians should stand at the end of their driveways at dawn for a minute silence on Anzac Day has generated over 15,000 shares.
"It shows that people are still thinking about Anzac day and have an opportunity to show that they really do care about those who did fight and die, that's a great gesture," Cr Davies said.
Another suggestion was people craft their own poppies and wreathes and display them on their front doors.
The RSL board has advised that it is working with the NSW government to plan an alternative commemoration that can be broadcast.