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Click here to find out moreANZAC Day is a day when we remember the anniversary of the landings of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli.
It is also the National Day of Remembrance that commemorates those brave men and women who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
It is important for us all not to forget such sacrifices as such sacrifices are the reason we have such freedom in our lives today. The selfless efforts by so many on our behalf can never be repaid in any manner or form. We thank you for the freedom and life we now have because of you.
In light of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic ANZAC Day services worldwide have been cancelled this year. However I encourage you all at 6.00am on ANZAC Day to stand in your driveway, on your balcony or in your living room with a candle to remember all those who have served and sacrificed. Imagine how special it would be if every Australian was standing united in spirit to remember all those who have served and sacrificed for the lifestyle we enjoy today.
The Australian War Memorial will host the Dawn Service which will not be open to the public, however this will be broadcast live across Australia by the ABC radio (AM 630) and streamed online from 5.30am which will include from around 6.00am, The Last Post and a minute of silence, where you can pay your respect at the same time as your local community.
RSL Australia will also be streaming a short commemorative service at their dedicated rslanzacspirit.com.au website from 6.00am this Saturday for those who are able to livestream.
The number of attendees at ANZAC Day services in Hinchinbrook continue to grow each year so I am sure people will be looking for a way to still commemorate our diggers.
I encourage you all to participate in respecting ANZAC Day in private. It is the least we can do to express our gratitude.
COVID-19
It is very reassuring to hear that no new COVID-19 infections have occurred in the Townsville Region for the past 13 days.
That is pure evidence that the social distancing and other restrictive policies concerning gatherings are working.
Health authorities continue to stress that notwithstanding such success, it remains too early to lift restrictions. It is imperative that we heed such advice and battle on a little longer.
If you need a little encouragement to remain vigilant, just think of how much pain or disruption we would endure if our community did become a hotspot. There are plenty of examples of total lockdown around the world.
I read a very appropriate comment last week from an unknown author, “If you jumped out of a plane and the parachute was working perfectly to slow down your rate of decent, would you think it was appropriate to close the chute whilst still 500ft in the air?”. Same situation applies here, we have not reached the ground yet.
Community Recovery Hotline
I would like to remind you that the Department of Communities has established a hotline to assist people who are in home isolation or quarantine that do not have family and friends who are able to offer their assistance.
Assistance available through this hotline includes arranging non-contact delivery of essential food and medication to people in quarantine with no other means of support.
Family members, friends or neighbours should be the first option however should you require assistance, Council encourages you to call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to discuss alternative options.
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