A march in Bega this coming weekend commemorating 75 years since the end of WWII has understandably been called off, but not before it was given the all-clear by council.
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The Bega RSL sub-branch had planned a march along the lines of a "welcome home parade" for returned servicemen such as was seen in town centres across the country following the end of hostilities in 1945.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and advised restrictions on large gatherings, the plans have been scuttled, as has the annual "dining in night" hosted by the 7th Light Horse Bemboka Troop.
The health advice is particularly pertinent for the ageing demographic involved in the sub-branch and its activities.
In the minutes of Bega Valley Shire Council's July 22 meeting, it's perhaps surprising that the proposed Bega march was given the go ahead with no objections.
In early June the Local Traffic Committee had received and endorsed the submission from the RSL Bega sub-branch for road closures to accommodate the parade of some 100 people, 10 vehicles, four horses and a band.
The recommendations for approval included a clause that it "abide to COVID19 restrictions and rules at the time of the event".
At council's July meeting, all nine councillors voted to approve the recommendation of the traffic committee.
In the meantime though, the Bega RSL sub-branch took responsibility for calling off its plans, instead looking to next year for an opportunity to mark the occasion.
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