Circular 33/21 Remembrance Day and Poppy Appeal

With Remembrance Day less than six weeks away and mindful of the impact of COVID-19 on commemoration planning and Poppy Appeal fundraising activities this year, I wanted to provide some guidance to assist your sub-Branch.

Remembrance Day Commemorations

As you may be aware, between now and 11 November the NSW Government has anticipated that it will be adjusting restrictions as the state passes the 70% and 80% rate of fully vaccinated adults as part of its COVID-19 ‘Roadmap’.

RSL NSW applied for a state-wide exemption from the Public Health Orders for RSL NSW sub-Branch Remembrance Day commemorations. An exemption has not been granted yet however I am maintaining discussions with NSW Health and the Office of the Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors, and Veterans. I expect to have clear guidance for sub-Branches by way of a letter from the Minister by 11 October which will be shared with you immediately upon receipt.

Current guidance

For locations not subject to stay-at-home orders, the vast majority of sub-Branch commemorations fall into the category of ‘COVID-19 safe outdoor public gatherings’ which mean there is a cap on numbers (currently 50 but this may increase) but no requirement for ticketing, seating, or fencing.

For those who wish to hold a service, we encourage you to commence planning and communicate with local authorities, keeping in mind the COVID safe requirements.

Please be reassured that sub-Branches are not obliged to host commemorations if they consider the health and safety of attendees is compromised or local authorities advise that the Public Health Order prevents them taking place.

Livestreaming

I recommend that sub-Branches do not invest in livestreaming local events as the time and cost involved can be substantial, particularly if audio-visual providers are contracted. The official NSW Remembrance Day Service will be livestreamed from Martin Place and I encourage sub-Branches to promote this service to members who are unable to hold or participate in local commemorations. ANZAC House will share the Martin Place livestream details with you ahead of Remembrance Day.

Poppy Appeal Fundraising

Online ordering

A significant number of tokens, formerly owned by WBI, has been transferred to PMA Global and is available for free to sub-Branches. The tokens can be ordered online and will incur a small packing and freight charge.

The online ordering portal is currently being finalised and we will email the details for how to order online once it is ready. To order fundraising stock in the meantime please contact PMA Global Client Relationship Manager Stephen Gianniotis on 0411 680 801.

Planning your Poppy Appeal

As with Remembrance Day services, for sub-Branches wishing to fundraise, we encourage you to commence planning and communicate with local authorities, keeping in mind the COVID safe requirements.

Please ensure you consider the following when planning your street activations:

• All volunteers wear masks
• Hand sanitizer is available for volunteers and members of the public
• When handling cash and products consider using gloves
• Maintain social distancing requirements
• Host your fundraising activation outdoors
• Liaise with local authorities for approval, including council, NSW Police, shopping centres, local train stations etc.

If you would like further assistance regarding Remembrance Day planning, please contact the Members Support Team on support@rslnsw.org.au or phone 1300 679 775.