By Jessica Micallef
The traditional Anzac Day dawn service at the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross has been cancelled, but locals are being encouraged not to ignore the day.
Public gatherings and events have been banned in an attempt to slow the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service committee to cancel the service.
Committee chair Bruce Mildenhall said it was a difficult and disappointing decision.
“It was with a very heavy heart that we realised we wouldn’t be able to proceed,” he said.
“We spend six months organising a script and all the readers and work with the schools.
“It’s a fairly disappointing and distressing time for the committee. It’s a group of half a dozen dedicated people who have one aim, to put on a memorable service, and to not be able to do that gives you that empty feeling.”
Mr Mildenhall is encouraging Macedon Ranges residents to tune in to a live broadcast from the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25.“
There will be a service but it’ll be closed to the public,” he said.
“There is also a call-out to people who would like to commemorate the day by standing in their driveways at 6am on Anzac Day … with a candle for a minute of silence.
“It’s growing in popularity as an idea via social media.
It would be great to see residents in our area who would like to physically commemorate the day and do something a bit more than watching the TV.”
Mr Mildenhall has asked residents to “reconnect with some of the things that make our community special after this pandemic passes”. “Ceremonies like Anzac Day are just so important to everyday life and you don’t realise that until they are missing,” he said.
