ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar, as we pause to remember all those veterans and service members who have sacrificed for our country.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual commemorative services can not be held this Saturday which is a huge blow not just for veterans and service personnel, but the wider community which comes together for these events.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper is encouraging people to get behind the RSL’s Let’s Light Up The Dawn initiative in their homes or neighbourhoods.
“The idea is for everyone to light a candle and stand at the end of their driveway, or on their balcony, porch or just in their own lounge room, at 6am, to reflect on those who have served and sacrificed for the nation,” Ms Cupper said.
“It’s so sad that we can’t get together this year for the usual commemorations, but this is a way everyone can still be involved in Anzac Day.
“Anzac Day is particularly significant to me because my great grandfather Tom Cupper fought at Gallipoli, and later settled in Birdwoodton as a soldier settler.
“My great uncles Ray and Ken Cupper were RAAF pilots in World War II and returned to Robinvale as soldier settlers and my maternal grandfather fought on the Kokoda Track.”
There will be a number of local live broadcasts on Saturday morning.
Triple M will have an Anzac Day commemorative service broadcast live from 5.30am. People can tune into the radio or from the Triple M app.
106.7 Hot FM will also live broadcast, from 6am. Mildura listeners can tune into 106.7 while those in Robinvale and Euston/Wentworth can access it at 90.7. It will also be live streamed at hotfmlive.radiostream321.com
The ABC will also have extensive coverage throughout the day.
“It’s terrific to know that through the radio and other technology we will still be able to connect with the Anzac Day services,” Ms Cupper said.
“I hope everyone who would normally go to a dawn service can instead light a candle in their driveway or home while listening to one of the broadcasts.”
