Geraldton’s Anzac Day back to Birdwood House for the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic

A crowd of a size not seen since before the COVID pandemic gathered to pay their respects to Australia’s servicemen and women as the sun rose in Geraldton on Monday. Hundreds stood outside Birdwood House — the traditional home of Anzac Day in Geraldton — as veterans took their posts and the catafalque party stood guard. The event was almost free from COVID restrictions, with guests only asked to wear masks and practice social distancing where possible. Community leaders and the families of fallen veterans participated in a wreath-laying ceremony and a prayer of remembrance was delivered. New Zealand’s role in World War I was also honoured with the country’s national anthem played. Hosted by the Geraldton RSL sub-branch, the gunfire breakfast was this year a ticketed event available only to veterans, with venue capacity limits also placing a cap on attendance. One veteran told the Guardian he would be enjoying breakfast and a beer at home instead, as he was not COVID vaccinated and not permitted inside Birdwood House according to State Government rules. No public service was held in 2020 when WA was thrust into COVID lockdowns, and Anzac Day organisers last year opted to hold commemorations at Wonthella Oval due to the difficulties of hosting an event which complied with COVID rules. The threat of the State’s COVID peak coinciding with Anzac Day again put the event at risk. However, the easing of restrictions and Geraldton’s high vaccination rates gave organisers the confidence they needed to proceed with commemorations as planned. Following the dawn service, veterans marched from the foreshore back to Birdwood House for the mid-morning service.