There will be no badges for sale this Anzac Day, but that shouldn’t dampen Oberon’s Anzac spirit.
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That is the message from the Oberon RSL Sub Branch, which has once again been prevented from selling tokens for this commemorative day.
Sub branch secretary Neville Stapleton said all branches were still unable to fundraise after a ban was imposed last August.
This meant the branch, along with branches across the state, was not allowed to sell poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day last year.
The ban was imposed in response to the inquiry into evidence that money was being misused by some leading members of NSW RSL.
Normally the branch would sell badges and tokens to commemorate Anzac Day, with those funds used to support local veterans and their families.
“This is the first time in 82 years there will be no tokens sold in Oberon for Anzac Day,” Mr Stapleton said.
“We apologise to all those who collect the badges every year.”
But there is still no end in sight for the ban.
“It is still not clear if or when we will be allowed to go back to selling tokens or badges for remembrance,” he said.
But he said the branch was allowed one kind of fundraising.
“Although we can’t raise money to support our veterans and the activities of the local sub branch, we have been given special permission to raise money to support the Invictus Games,” Mr Stapleton said.
“The Oberon sub branch, like other sub branches, made the decision that we are not going to ask people to support something that has no relevance to the people of Oberon.”
The Invictus Games - a multi-sport event created by His Royal Highness Prince Harry for wounded, injured or sick service veterans - will take place in Sydney this year.
But despite missing the tradition of buying badges, the sub branch is still urging locals to commemorate this historic day.
Anzac Day services will go ahead as normal.
There will be an Anzac church service at 10am at the CLC Church on April 22.
On Anzac Day, the Dawn Service will be held at 5.45am, while the march (starting at the council chambers) and wreath-laying service will be held from 10.30am.
The Commemorative Service will start at 11am at the RSL Club. Lunch will be served for veterans, war widows and carers at 12.30pm. Others can attend for a small fee.
Lest we forget.
