Poppies to go up in Nhill despite COVID-affected Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day ceremonies across Victoria are likely to be affected by COVID-19 restrictions, but Nhill RSL is determined to line eight palm trees in Goldsworthy Park with approximately 20,000 poppies.

The annual tradition started two years ago, and Nhill RSL member Rosie Clark said it was a valuable visual reminder for the region to pay their respects.

"It's a symbol of remembrance. It's a symbol that puts it out there to people and reminds them of the occasion," she said.

"All of these poppies are put together by volunteers; local people and people all over Australia made them for us, so it's a big thing.

"It's not only red too, but we've also got white and purple in the mix.

"It looks fantastic when it is done, it causes a lot of interest and sparks conversations. We're really happy people are going to see them and it's going to help bring the message home a bit."

Mrs Clark said the poppies would be put up on October 31^st and would stay up for three weeks.

Mrs Clark said she didn't know what type of ceremony - if any - would go ahead in Nhill on Remembrance Day on November 11, because of COVID-guidelines.

Horsham RSL president Robert Lockwood said there was not going to be a normal ceremony in Horsham.

"We're very aware of the COVID situation and we don't want to bring people together to potentially endanger them," Mr Lockwood said.

"It's a shame - it was the same for ANZAC Day. But at the end of the day, we have to abide by the laws and those people will be remembered in their own way.

"We're asking people to still bow their heads and remember the loss of life in our major world wars and the following conflicts as well. It's still an important day."

Mr Lockwood said plans were underway to broadcast a service on a Wimmera-based radio station.

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