Hunter residents are being asked to 'Light up the Dawn', on ANZAC DAY morning this year, by
standing on their driveways or in their windows with a torch or candle, in solidarity with those who've served.
"What is shows, especially here in the Hunter is that people do remember, and people are very receptive to commemorating and remembering the service that the defense force members have given to this country."
"Whatever they do, as long as it's done with respect and a bit of dignity, there's no wrong thing," Mr Fayle said.
He says he was "gutted" when he found out the traditional dawn service and march could not go ahead this year.
"Personally because I was involved in the organizing of it and had been for so long, I was gutted, as were all the other members of the ANZAC day committee. And yes its the first time in history that I know of that we wont have an actual march or a dawn service," he says.
"But in reality you've got to put the health of the community before your own feelings, and I think most veterans understand that."
RSL NSW have organised a range of additional activities for Australian’s to get involved in on the day.
ANZAC Day 2020 is Facebook event where you can record yourself reciting the ode or sharing a message of support for veterans, using the hashtag #ANZACSpirit, Hunter residents can share how they're commemorating as well as who they're remembering this ANZAC Day.
The Australian War Memorial has posted some of their Favourite Anzac Biscuit Recipes on their website, for those looking to spend the day cooking with family.
Local musicians are invited to play the Last Post and Rouse, or Reveille on Saturday morning, with organisation musicformateship.org providing tutorials on how to learn the music as well as a sample letter to notify neighbors of involvement.
A number of Lake Macquarie brass and concert bands will be participating.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser says it will be a powerful moment to have musicians around the City all playing
together from their homes.
“It’s
an important day for the community to pause and pay tribute to the many men and
women who have served, and died for, our Country," she says.
“It’s
wonderful to see the ways that NSW RSL’s have adapted to create meaningful
events that everyone can be a part of."
Mayor
Cr Kay Fraser says this an important day to check in with friends
or family who might be isolated during these challenging times.
“Many
of our older citizens are isolated at the moment, Anzac Day can be a reminder
to give them a call and check in and see how they are feeling. You can even use
it as an opportunity to learn about their past and our history.”
Mr Fayle says ANZAC day is usually a time of year for veterans to get together with others who've served.
"Were obviously ringing one another and making sure we're all okay during this lock down period."
Both Mayor Fraser and Mr Fayle believe the Anzac spirit of mate-ship and looking out for each other is something which is more important than ever.
"That's what the defense force is all about . There's so many people working for the community, there's health care workers, boarder force, quarantine, Federal and State police, ADF personnel actually in hospitals and nursing homes trying to help negate the virus."
"So community spirit and service of the community has always been a strong point of Australians, and this sort of high lights that, if everyone just takes a little bit of time tomorrow, just to stand still for a minute in quiet reflection, that's all we can ask,"Mr Fayle says.
People can sign the pledge to light up the dawn at rslanzacspirit.com.au.
2NUR FM will be live broadcasting the Canberra Dawn Service from 5:30am.
