THE Tamworth RSL Sub Branch is busy preparing for its Remembrance Day commemorations after being given the green light by the state government.
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On Thursday, the government eased COVID-19 restrictions for events across the state, allowing 100 people to gather to mark 102 years since the end of World War I.
The one-off exemption to the Public Health Order means gatherings can increase from 20 to 100 and will apply to all Remembrance Day events held before November 12.
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Tamworth RSL Sub Branch president Jayne McCarthy welcomed the government's one-off exemption and said planning for the event had already begun.
"It's very exciting for us to be able to mark Remembrance Day this year," Ms McCarthy said.
"We're still in the early stages of planning for the event, which will look a bit different to years gone by because of the restrictions.
"However, we are just really excited to be able to host something to mark what is a very special day for our country."
The event will mark the Sub Branch's second for the year, and it's first since Vietnam Veterans Day, after its Anzac Day commemorations were cancelled due to the pandemic.
"It was tough not being able to do any of the fundrasing or events we would usually do around Anzac Day this year," Ms McCarthy said.
"That's why we are really excited to be able to host something on Remembrance Day and to be able to hold our Poppy Appeal to raise some money.
"I think it does give us some confidence things are improving and we might be able to host something next Anzac Day.
"However, it is a long way away and what that may look like remains to be seen."
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Remembrance Day is a major event for both veterans and the broader community to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
"Australians have paused to reflect and pay tribute on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month since 1918, so this is welcome news for our veterans community," said Mr Lee.
"While some of our larger commemorations won't look the same as in past years, this exemption means smaller services can be held in all local communities across NSW."
The Sub Branch hopes to announce it's plans for Remembrance Day next week.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
