Change of heart allows Remembrance Day to go ahead

Baw Baw Shire has backed down on forcing Warragul RSL to hold a small private Remembrance Day service on Thursday.

Warragul RSL president Ben Vahland was advised by Baw Baw Shire chief executive officer Mark Dupe last Thursday that a public service could not proceed.

However, the shire backed down after the RSL advised it would comply with all the Chief Medical Officer requirements, including installing temporary fencing.

The service, at the Warragul Cenotaph, will begin at 10.30am.

Remembrance Day commemorates the cessation of hostilities in World War I. In recent times it acknowledges those who served and died in all wars and peace keeping operations. A minute’s silence held at 11am.

COVID marshalls will ensure the cenotaph area is restricted to 400 people, in line with density requirements and all participants must sign in using a QR code and have proof of vaccination.

Mr Vahland said yesterday road closures were yet to be finalised.

He said Lardner Park chief executive Craig Debnam had offered assistance with fencing and other people had also offered to assist with the set up.

Mr Vahland estimates about 20 volunteers will be required.

Both sides of the political fence, Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood (Liberal) and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing (Labor) met on Thursday with Mr Dupe to discuss ways the events could proceed.

Mr Vahland said Baw Baw’s change of heart came out of the blue but he was very grateful.

He said it would ensure many people could commemorate the occasion.

“I am very thankful our event is allowed to go ahead,” he said.

People not able to enter the fenced off area can observe the proceedings from a distance adhering to social distancing and group size restrictions.

Under current State Government health directions up to 1000 fully COVID vaccinated people can attend outdoor events at a ratio of one person per two square metres.

The shire will livestream the Warragul commemoration ceremony via its Facebook page.

Commemorations at Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne also will be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.

A council spokesperson said to meet current COVID directions, other local RSLs across the shire would hold private outdoor commemoration ceremonies.

For these private commemorations, official attendees will be limited in line with current COVIDSafe settings. Members of the public who are in the vicinity are able to observe from a distance provided they adhere to social distancing and group size restrictions.

Private commemorations will be conducted at Darnum at 10.50am, Drouin at 10.50am, Longwarry at 11am, Neerim South at 10.50am, Thorpdale at noon and Trafalgar at 11am

A spokesman said there would be no formal services at other locations, but residents were welcome to lay wreaths in their own time throughout the day. Baw Baw Shire councillors will also lay wreaths at war memorials across the shire.