CANCELLATION OF ANZAC DAY 2020 OVERSEAS
Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Australian Government has cancelled overseas Anzac Day ceremonies on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey, near Villers-Bretonneux in France, including the Australian service at the ‘Digger’ Memorial, Bullecourt, Hellfire Pass in Thailand and Sandakan in Malaysia.
18 March 2020
The increasing spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has serious implications for all travellers.
The health and safety of all Australians is paramount to this decision.
The Australian Government has been working in close consultation with the host nations, and considered their concerns and necessary restrictions with regard to mass gatherings.
Australians who have registered to attend these events are being informed.
Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and is often a time for private reflection.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs encourages all Australians to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the more than 102,000 Australians who have died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Australians are encouraged to continue to mark this important national commemorative date by checking their local guides and watching a televised national service from the Australian War Memorial.
This decision has been taken for the 2020 commemorations only, and the Government through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will plan for next year’s commemorations as is done each year.