Overseas ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli in Turkey and near Villers-Bretonneux in France have been canceled by the Australian Government, but services across Australia have been given the green light to proceed.

Last year Australians stood in their driveways, lighting a candle at the rising of the sun, as stringent COVID-19 restrictions took hold.

But this year, Australians can once again gather on Sunday April 25 to commemorate the extraordinary sacrifices Australian and New Zealand troops have made for their country.

This year is also the 100th year of the RAAF, so its contribution will be to the fore, particularly at Jamberoo where retired Flight Sergeant Terry Stamp will give the address.

While all services will be following COVID safety requirements, most will look the same as they usually have.

The exception to this is the Main Service in Kiama, which in 2019 attracted almost 3,000 people.

To avoid overcrowding on the street corner, the organisers are encouraging people to gather in the park, behind the Memorial.

This strategy was trialled successfully at the Remembrance Day service last year.

“We hope to get a good crowd after not being able to hold it last year, and it is the best way to spread people out,” says the President of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, Mongo Delamont.

“People will be able to check-in, and we encourage anyone feeling unwell to stay at home.”

He says the Kiama Lighthorse will be present at all three events organised by the Sub-Branch – at Jamberoo, Blowhole Point and the Arch.

A flyover by military aircraft from HARS is expected to come by to coincide with the service.

Details of the various services are available here:

• Jamberoo ANZAC Day March and Service (24 April)
• Kiama ANZAC Dawn Service
• Gerringong ANZAC Dawn Service
• Kiama ANZAC March and Service
• Special ANZAC Service to honour contributions by Indigenous people and women