Anzac Day services across Victoria have been cancelled as part of social distancing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Kilmore Wallan RSL has cancelled its services and marches in Kilmore and Wallan, along with other club functions.
The sub-branch will also not be selling Anzac Day badges in the lead-up to the day and its Wednesday coffee club has been cancelled.
Kilmore Wallan RSL president Rod Dally said the sub-branch was saddened by the cancellations.
“These are extreme times and we have a responsibility for the wellbeing of our members. We are very saddened by these measures but have taken advice from the Government and Anzac House,” he said.
“We thank the sub-branch members and members of the public who put their name down for badge selling and we hope by November [Remembrance Day] all will be okay.”
Despite services and sub-branch meetings being cancelled, Mr Dally said members were looking after each other.
“Everyone’s self-isolated but everyone’s looking after each other and it’s really working well,” he said.
“Everyone knows they can ring me or someone else in the sub-branch and get whatever help’s required,” he said.
Alternative ways to pay respects to veterans have been proposed by some of the sub-branch’s members.
“A suggestion is to stand in your driveway at 6am for a minute with your head bowed and or place your knitted poppies around your letterbox,” Mr Dally said.
“You can still place flowers or wreaths around the memorial in your town on Anzac Day as a mark of respect.”
