For the first time in more than 100 years, Wagga's Anzac Day march will not be going ahead due to the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
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Wagga mayor Greg Conkey yesterday confirmed the April 25 march would not proceed as normal.
The announcement came as a shock to Wagga RSL sub-branch president David Gardiner, who nevertheless said he accepted the decision.
"If they say it's cancelled, then it's cancelled," Mr Gardiner said.
"The only thing we can do is go along with the health department and their recommendations."
Instead, Mr Gardiner is currently thinking of holding a small wreath-laying ceremony without the presence of a large crowd.
Councillor Greg Conkey said these were "unprecedented" measures, but necessary given the scale and severity of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when cases will be detected in this city," Cr Conkey said.
"We can cope with a certain number of cases but we can't cope with mass numbers. That would impact our ability to handle those causes through out health system, so we need to mitigate that risk."
Wagga Historical Society president Geoff Burch said this was the first time Anzac Day had been cancelled in Wagga since the outbreak of Spanish flu in 1919.
"The usual memorial gathering at town hall was abandoned and there was no official acknowledgement it was Anzac Day," Mr Burch said.
That year Sydney's Anzac Day was also cancelled, and although there was a small parade with a musical band, members of the public were not allowed to gather.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show was also cancelled that year, as the Spanish flu pandemic swept through the nation killing thousands of Australians.
This year's Royal Easter Show also has been cancelled, which organisers estimate will cost the local economy about $250 million.
- Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 0222 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
