Unannounced vets could still march on Anzac Day

The Herald Sun can reveal organisers will not immediately turn away veterans who haven’t registered but stress it’s strongly preferred.It’s understood a “spill over” capacity, possibly involving approval from health authorities for several thousand extra people, is being factored into parade plans as a contingency.More than 1200 marchers have registered for the event — well below the 5500 allowed — with sign up closing at noon on Tuesday.Allied veterans and descendants are set to be added, while crowds are now being told they won’t be discouraged from attending even though there’s a preference for people to mark the day locally or at home.There’s been no application from the Shrine of Remembrance to boost capacity for the booked-out Dawn Service despite criticism the 1400 people allowed isn’t enough.RSL Victoria chief executive officer Jamie Twidale said the organisation was working with the state government on how to safely manage veterans who turn up to march without forewarning.While many veterans will commemorate locally or at home, some haven’t registered in protest against red tape and believe the march should be bigger given 75,000 football fans will be allowed for the Essendon v Collingwood match the same day.Up to 10,000 marchers are allowed for Sydney’s parade.“What we’re working really closely with the government on is how do we handle individual veterans and descendants who turn up on the day unregistered and want to march,’’ Mr Twidale said.“We’re working actively through that but we don’t know if this is a small or large number of people.“We want to make sure we are complying with the COVID framework and the approved plan while also recognising the need to be ready for what might happen on the day.“We continue to work and modify and be dynamic daily. But the preference for us is still that you register. There is still time to register and by doing so you are helping our volunteers, most of who are veterans, to put on a safe and memorable march. We prefer you not just rock up on the day.”More than 700 Australian and New Zealand veterans, about 90 from allied forces and 425 descendants had registered.Marchers will be 1.5m apart and those unable to walk pushed along in wheelchairs rather than driven.COVID marshals will ensure onlookers check in using QR codes along the route, with barriers to separate the crowd from marchers.“We don’t know what sized crowd we will get,’’ Mr Twidale said.“It could be a few hundred or a few thousand. Some people are still nervous being in large crowds but then others are happy to go to big events. We really don’t know.“We’re ready for a large crowd. We will just work with what we get.“We prefer for people to commemorate locally. But if you want to turn out and clap the troops as they march along you’re more than welcome. We don’t want to discourage them.”Veterans Minister Shaun Leane said: “We must continue to protect ourselves and our community as we live through this global pandemic and are asking anyone planning on marching to register online.”“We know that our older community members are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of coronavirus – our World War II veterans are almost 100 and Vietnam Veterans are on average around 70 years old,’’ he said.“The registration system is a simple thing that helps keep our veterans safe.”Defence Minister Peter Dutton, whose home state Queensland will mark Anzac Day as normal, wants as many people as possible to march.“At the moment it is anomalous and people will look at it and just scratch their heads,’’ he told Channel 9.Statewide at least 300 commemorative events will go ahead with a late influx of smaller events expected to be registered.The Dawn Service, bigger than Sydney’s 1200-ticket event, will be contained to the forecourt which will be fenced.Attendees will scan an individual QR code on their ticket at their designated entry gate and signs will encourage social distancing.Shrine of Remembrance chief executive officer Dean Lee said: “We are heartened by the positive response of Victorians to join us at the Shrine’s Dawn Service on Anzac Day in these challenging times of COVID restrictions.”To register for the parade go to register.rslvic.com.au.SERVICE RUNS IN BOB’S BLOODHe might have sea legs but Bob Jeavons will be joining this year’s Anzac Day parade come hell or high water.The 93-year-old navy World War II veteran — who enlisted aged just 17 — has the spirit of service running through his blood.His father and brother also served in the navy during the war.Mr Jeavons, who has registered for the city parade, said while he could no longer walk the length of the route he was determined to take part in memory of a group of mates he enlisted with. They served aboard HMAS Condamine which was dispatched to the South Pacific.“I’ve been in the march for the last 10 years with fellow members of the ship that I was on,’’ Mr Jeavons said.“But I am the only one surviving — they’ve all gone now.”Mr Jeavons, an avid sailor until only 18 months ago, served as a seaman and gunner for 2 ½ years.His father was a lieutenant commander in the navy’s Special Branch who deloused mines and his brother a lieutenant tasked with navigation duties on several ships. “My brother and father were gone and I go itchy feet and left school so I said I’d go and join the navy,’’ Mr Jeavons said.“I got my mother to sign the papers.”As April 25 approaches RSL Victoria has launched its Anzac Appeal with volunteers selling badges at supermarkets, shopping centres and retail strips. “Every day, across Victoria, the RSL is supporting veterans and their families,’’ state president Robert Webster said. “Please help us to continue this vital work”.To donate, anzacappeal.com.au.wes.hosking@news.com.au