Tamworth dawn service: RSL says Anzac day will happen, but it's not yet clear how

The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of last year's service. Instead veterans and ordinary residents held 'light up the dawn' services in their own front driveways.

On Friday, RSL NSW confirmed in 2021 things would be closer to normal, with the state body working with NSW Health to organise safe larger-scale commemoration events.

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RSL NSW State Secretary, Jeff O'Brien, said under current health advice it is permissible for RSL NSW sub-branches to organise a controlled outdoor event for Anzac Day.

Jayne McCarthy, president of the Tamworth RSL sub branch, said they would likely hold some form of 'controlled' - sitting down - ceremony.

"We are thinking about what that looks like and how we can apply it to Tamworth," she said.

"It is great that we can have a service. But what that looks like and how we pull that off [is unclear]."

Aside from the dawn service, Tamworth usually has four other events: a breakfast, a march at 10, another service at 11 and a community luncheon.

Mrs McCarthy said only the march is under any real threat given her understanding of the rules. Some 500 veterans will march through the Sydney CBD that day.

"I would like to think it's possible, given what happens in Sydney," she said.

"I'd be interested to know what their march looks. That informs our decision about how we run our march."

Light up the dawn services will also be held again in 2021.

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