Veterans across NSW will be honoured through traditional ANZAC Day commemorative services as 2022 heralds the return of full-scale dawn services and marches, while two-up will be played over three days during the ANZAC Day long weekend, and veterans, their families and friends will travel on any mode of public transport for free.
Commemorations across NSW will return to normal on April 25 for the first time in three years, including large-scale events such as the Dawn Service in Martin Place and the Sydney CBD March.
Two-up will be allowed to be played at clubs and pubs across all three days of the ANZAC Day long weekend for the first time.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said ANZAC Day this year would be a moving and significant occasion for many veterans who missed out on marching or attending a reunion over the last few years due to COVID restrictions.
“This year not only marks the first year since the Australian Defence Force’s withdrawal from Afghanistan but is also the first time, since 2019, that veterans will be able to reconnect with mates to attend their annual reunions free of restrictions,” Mr Elliott said.
“I encourage the community to take advantage of the free public transport to travel to their local reunions, marches and commemorative events or head into the city to show support for our defence force personnel, past and present.”
Minister for Hospitality Kevin Anderson said this one-off special measure will allow patrons to play two-up not only on ANZAC Day but on the two days before – Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.
“This is a great way for people to come together to enjoy the ANZAC spirit while paying respect to veterans past and present while also giving pubs and clubs a leg up as they continue to recover from a challenging few years,” Mr Anderson said.
“Pubs and Clubs play an important role on ANZAC Day, providing a place for war veterans to gather, reminisce and share the ANZAC spirit with their mates and families, this will give an added incentive for people to head to their local.”
RSL NSW President Ray James welcomed the Government’s announcement and called on veterans of recent Middle East operations to join them in a place of prominence in the Sydney CBD March.
“ANZAC Day is a time for the NSW community to come together and pay tribute to all members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force who have followed in the Anzac’s footsteps – soldiers, sailors and air force personnel – for their service and sacrifice,” Mr James said.
“As the custodians of the ANZAC spirit, RSL NSW and the veteran volunteers in its Sub-Branches work tirelessly to ensure people honour the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country in all conflicts.”
