Following further discussions with the NSW Government, RSL NSW announced on Monday that all public Anzac Day commemoration services across the state would be cancelled due to the threat of coronavirus.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last Friday that the government was recommending the cancellation of all "non-essential" gatherings of more than 500 people, which came into effect from Monday.
Bathurst will be majorly affected, with the dawn and main services at Kings Parade attracting thousands every year.
This follows the news that crowds would likely be locked out of other major events including the Royal Bathurst Show, the Gold Crown Carnival and the National Rugby League match at Carrington Park in May.
The Western Advocate spoke to Bathurst RSL Sub Branch president David Mills prior to the announcement that all public Anzac Day commemoration services would be cancelled.
He believed there was little hope that it would go ahead away.
"Given the significant concerns around the spread of COVID-19, it would be irresponsible to allow such large gatherings as we see each year on Anzac Day to go ahead," RSL NSW acting president Ray James said.
"This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The RSL has a responsibility to act in the best interests of veterans and the general public.
"We will provide further updates on other Anzac Day related activities including fundraising in the coming days."
"In these uncertain times we must follow the advice of medical experts and do everything we can to protect the community.
"Anzac Day as a marker of our respect and admiration for Anzacs past and present will still be observed. Exactly what form this will take will be different from previous years, but as custodians of commemoration, the RSL will still honour the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemen and women.
"In these challenging times, we will remember them."
Bathurst's Anzac Day dawn and main services have traditionally attracted massive crowds, easily passing the 500 people mark.
As of 1pm on Monday afternoon, there were 298 cases of coronavirus in Australia, with NSW the biggest hit state or territory with 134 cases.
On Friday, three Orange residents tested positive to coronavirus, the first confirmed cases of the virus in the Central West region.
There's over 162,600 confirmed cases in the world, with China, Italy, Iran and South Korea amongst the most affected.
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