Bunbury's ANZAC Day service has been cancelled after the federal government implemented a ban on mass gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just moments ago, RSLWA announced it had cancelled the conduct of all ANZAC Day commemorations following Friday's announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people be suspended to stop the spread of the respiratory virus.
RSLWA State President Peter Aspinall said the board had considered all relevant medical advice and come to the decision that, in the interests of Veterans' health and safety, it was necessary to cancel all 125 commemorative services at sub-branches throughout WA.
"RSLWA has a duty of care to its members and all Veterans - many of whom are elderly and the most vulnerable as the coronavirus worsens," he said.
"Irrespective of how many Veterans turn out, the risk is still too great.
"This is a very difficult but necessary course of action, especially considering our duty of care and the vulnerability of our older members.
"For us, one death of a Veteran, a family member or any member of the general public as a result of attending a RSLWA-organised service is one too many."
Bunbury RSL president John Gelmi said that while the sub branch had spent months preparing for the annual commemorative service, it was paramount that the health and well being of Veterans and the general public was protected.
"It's a bit disappointing, but we've got to remember that this is statewide and we've got to protect our Veterans and service people," he said.
"We have a lot of very frail ex service people with serious health conditions, including heart problems and lung problems.
"Our members are our priority, as well as the general public.
"The assembly of the general public in a situation like that - we have to protect them, too.
"This decision was made based on medical advice on public gatherings.
"Our services attract anywhere from 6,000 up, particularly our Dawn Service.
"Our main service at the Soundshell attracts almost as many.
"To protect everyone, including our members and service people, it's the right way to go to stem this outbreak."
Mr Aspinall confirmed that the state's RSL would be looking at other ways to recognise those who served, just not in the form of public events.
