Following last month's announcement that local Anzac Day services will go ahead with strict limitations, the Bathurst RSL Club have unveiled their own plans to complement the RSL Sub Branch's wishes.
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The traditional Gunfire Breakfast at the club following the Dawn Service at the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon will be restricted to invited servicemen and women only in order to comply with two square metre capacity restrictions.
The club will then open to all members and guests from 11.30am as usual, however the annual two-up tradition will not be held to avoid issues with social distancing.
In addition, due to limitations on numbers for the Soldiers Saddle at Tyers Park, Bathurst RSL Club members will not receive free entry, but will receive a free drink on the club.
While expressing disappointment at being unable to run events as per normal, Bathurst RSL Club general manager Peter Sargent said decisions have been made with the interests of the public in mind.
"Although restrictions have eased significantly, we still have to be conscious of the rules and regulations our club has to currently operate under," Mr Sargent said.
"We love providing two-up, it's an Anzac Day tradition, but it also makes social distancing difficult due to crowds in close quarters, so we have to give it a miss."
"The Gunfire Breakfast normally attracts 600 visitors, so we've made it invite only to ensure our servicemen and women don't miss out, as Anzac Day exists first and foremost to honour them."
The RSL Sub Branch announced last month Anzac Day marches will be open only to past and present servicemen and women, with the community urged to again stand in the driveway of their homes at 6am to take part in a commemoration to be broadcast on local radio stations 2BS and 2MCE.
With Anzac Day falling on a Sunday this year without a public holiday, as well as limits on attendance for Bathurst's two main services, Mr Sargent said it's hard to tell what numbers will be like.
"The absence of a public holiday might subdue numbers, but the key message from us has always been to respect the day and why we commemorate it," he said.
"We may not be running two-up, but the auditorium will be set aside purely for servicemen and women to enjoy a meal."
"Also, it's important people are aware they need to book Soldiers Saddle tickets online, and buses to the event will run from the Bathurst Court House every 20 minutes from 12pm."
For more information, visit www.bathurstrsl.com.au or the club's Facebook page.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
