With traditional ANZAC Day services cancelled due to the current restrictions in place, many Victorians will be marking the day very differently this year. In the City of Whittlesea, there are still plenty of ways you can get involved and commemorate the sacrifices of our servicemen and women from your very own home.

Driveways at dawn

Traditionally, Dawn Services are held in almost every Australian town to honour those who have sacrificed their lives fighting wars. While that isn’t possible this year, RSL Victoria has asked we remember our soldiers by standing for a minute of silence with a lit candle in our driveways at dawn, while the Last Post is played.

Make your own poppy

The poppy as a symbol of remembrance began during the First World War. It was this flower that inspired brigade surgeon Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders fields. In this online activity, you can learn how to make your own commemorative poppy, by crochet, knitting or paper. A wonderful activity to do with the kids.

Live Stream the Dawn Service

For those who still wish to participate in the Dawn Service, you can do so remotely. The ABC will be live streaming the National Commemorative Service from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

View it here at 5:30am AEST via https://iview.abc.net.au/ or on your TV on the ABC.

Veterans of Whittlesea

Whittlesea Council is also encouraging locals to share their personal connections to the ANZAC spirit by uploading a photograph of a veteran whose story touches theirs. For more details and to submit your story, click here.

Westgarthtown and WWI

Juxtaposing the treatment of citizens of German descent living in Westgarthtown with the experiences of their relatives who were fighting and dying for Australia during the First World War, Westgarthtown & WWI is a moving documentary presented by the Friends of Westgarthtown. To watch this fascinating documentary about some of Whittlesea’s local heritage, click here.