MESSAGE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND AMBASSADORS



Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we regret to inform you that public Anzac Day services in Belgium are cancelled this year. The Australian and New Zealand Embassies and the local communities in Zonnebeke, Ieper, Messines and Comines-Warneton have not taken this decision lightly. The cancellation is in line with the New Zealand, Australian and Belgian Governments’ policies and social distancing guidance.

The health and safety of all members of the public attending commemorative events is our key priority, along with our obligation to comply with the restrictions imposed by the Belgian Government with regard to mass gatherings and social distancing.

As the public services will not take place, we plan to disseminate public messages of solidarity and commemoration on Anzac Day via social media. We wish to convey the utmost respect and gratitude we have for all that the communities in Belgium do to honour the memory of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers who served in Belgium during World War One. Your communities are central to Anzac Day and to our commemorative activities in the region.

We are very disappointed that we will not be able to mark Anzac Day in the usual way this year, but look forward to the resumption of Anzac Day commemorations in 2021.

We send our best wishes and solidarity to you and your loved ones in these extraordinary and challenging times.

H.E. Mr Gregory Andrews, Ambassador of New Zealand
H.E. Mr Justin Brown, PSM, Ambassador of Australia