This year’s ANZAC Day falls on an action-packed weekend of grassroots sport – Sunday 25 April 2021. The Victorian Government is working with all sporting codes and the Returned & Services League (RSL) to accommodate the playing of sport on this day, whilst also honouring the significance of ANZAC Day and all those who have served our country.
The ANZAC Day Act 1958 prohibits the holding of sporting events to which persons are required to pay an admission fee or make a donation in order to watch sport, without the written approval of the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.
The ANZAC Day Act 1958 prohibits the holding of sporting events to which persons are required to pay an admission fee or make a donation in order to watch sport, without the written approval of the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.
The Minister may approve the holding of sport on ANZAC Day if:
- the sport does not commence before 1pm
- a payment is made to the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund in the case of the sport being held within the metropolitan area, or the RSL Patriotic Welfare Fund through the RSL State Branch Headquarters or local sub-branch for sport in country areas.
Clubs should contact their respective peak sporting organisation or association to seek information about submitting a request for the Minister’s approval to play sport on ANZAC Day.
Following consultation with your relevant peak sporting organisation or association, applications for the Minister’s approval should be to the:
Business Manager
Sport and Recreation Victoria
Email Sport and Recreation Victoria
Applicants should consult the local sub-branch of the RSL on the protocols, requirements and appropriate commemorative activities for ANZAC Day.
Sporting events to be held on ANZAC Day that do not charge an admission fee, or seek a donation from spectators, do not require the Minister’s approval. It is still recommended that relevant clubs discuss appropriate commemorative activities that can be incorporated into their ANZAC Day sporting events with their local RSL sub branch.
COVIDSafe event
And a reminder that community sports staging events are required to have a COVIDSafe Plan and adhere to the Victorian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in force on the day of the event.
For further information on COVIDSafe Plans for Physical Recreation and Community Sport as well as the current restrictions visit the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.
For more information, please contact Sport and Recreation Victoria.
