Karlie Brady

Journalist

Unsurprisingly Anzac Day has joined the long list of cancelled events due to the COVID-19 outbreak, however, the Mossman RSL is encouraging residents to still honour those who served.

Wally Gray from the Mossman RSL said while it is unfortunate that all services across the Shire have had to be cancelled, it is in the interest of the health and safety of the community, particularly elderly veterans.

“We would like to thank the general public for their great support,” he said.

“We are sorry, but we must think of the public and safety comes first.”

However, all is not lost, Mr Gray said the Mossman RSL along with RSL Queensland is calling on Australians to honour the service of our Defence forces, past and present, by standing at the end of their driveways for a minute's silence at 6:00am this Anzac Day.

“If the general public would like to lay wreaths at Port Douglas, Mossman and Cow Bay cenotaphs throughout the day they are welcome to do so but please only in family groups, not en masse,” he said.

Mossman RSL is also recommending that Douglas Shire residents tune into the national dawn service on television or radio.

Mr Gray added the RSL is hugely appreciative of the communities’ support over the years evidenced by the recent RSL Cent Sale in Mossman on 14 March which raised money to support veterans and the local community.

The RSL raffle was won by Jeff Stone, second place went to Sonia Kowan, and third place was Kelly Jeffs.

“It was a great success thanks to members and attendees, and we would like to extend a special thanks to local business, including Cairns Hardware, Livelife Pharmacy, Mossman Print, Newsextra, Two Harts Goldsmith, Autopro Mossman, Prices Plus, and Mossman butchering co.

“Thank you for a wonderful day hope to see you all next year,” Mr Gray said.