Aussies are being encouraged to get creative in a show of mateship this Anzac Day by standing in quiet contemplation at the end of their driveways or balconies at 6am on April 25.
RSLWA will lead this unique tribute to their fallen servicemen and women and those who have or still serve today.
The dawn commemorations will take place in the wake of the first cancellation of Anzac Day services since WWII, due to the COVID-19 crisis.
RSLWA have invited the entire community of Western Australia to get behind them by:
- Watching out for their community service announcements on TV and social media with some of WA's most inspiring veterans, WA Governor Kim Beazley and Premier Mark McGowan
- Having children create craft or draw pictures about Anzac Day and post on them on the RSLWA Facebook page
- Placing the pictures in home windows.
- Sharing our mateship-themed veteran video profiles and articles on social media.
- Posting Anzac Day tributes and photos to RSLWA's Facebook and Instagram pages, including the #rslwamateship and #DrivewayDawnService hashtag on all social posts.
- Donating to the RSLWA's annual Anzac Appeal with funds going toward the health, wellbeing and advocacy of our veterans - at rslwa.org.au/donate.
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And on Anzac Day, by:
- Lighting a candle and joining the Anzac Day driveway Dawn Service at 5.55am on April 25.
- Tuning in to ABC Radio and commercial radio stations for the dawn commemoration that will include The Ode, The Last Post and one-minute's #DrivewayDawnService
- Firing up a family barbecue or a traditional gunfire breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages, plus a mug of (rum-spiked) tea or coffee to toast the fallen.
- Tuning into a special Anzac Day commemorative broadcast on TV (more details to come).
With the pandemic causing all major events across the world to be cancelled, RSLWA state president Peter Aspinall said such a display of respect and solidarity would send a powerful message of support to their veterans, their families and the entire defence community.
RSLWA chief executive officer John McCourt said mateship was one of the overriding qualities evoked by the Anzac spirit.
"It will certainly be humbling for the nation to rally together with us at a time when we all need to stand for ourselves and each other on such a special day," he said.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said while our usual commemorative events have been cancelled, there were still many ways we could remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women.
"Dress up driveways, mailboxes and windows with poppies, artwork or commemorative wreaths and participate in the unique Driveway Dawn Service, Light up the Dawn, light a candle, stand at the end of your driveway, on your verandah or balcony or in your living room to remember all those who have served and sacrificed," he said.
"For those who wish to lay a wreath at our memorials, please feel free to do so but while observing physical distancing and social gathering directions.
"If you would usually donate at a ceremony or breakfast, you can still contribute to the annual ANZAC Appeal at rslwa.org.au/donate/.
"We have an opportunity to unite in a unique way this Anzac Day and I am sure the Aussie spirit and mateship will pull through.
"However, if you choose to reflect and give thanks to those whose selfless actions have afforded us the quality of life we enjoy today, I ask that you do it safely and proudly."
