Sport and Recreation Victoria is calling on community sporting groups to ‘do the right thing’ this ANZAC Day which falls on an action-packed weekend of grassroots sport, (Sunday 25 April).
The office said it was working with all sporting codes and the Returned & Services League (RSL) to accommodate the playing of sport on ANZAC Day, whilst also honouring those who had served the 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,” Sport and Recreation Victoria said.
“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 said.
“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.”
Sport and Recreation said the Minister may approve the holding of sport on ANZAC Day if the sport didn’t commence before 1pm and a payment was made to the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund (for sports 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).
“Applicants should consult the local sub-branch of the RSL on the protocols, requirements and appropriate commemorative activities for ANZAC Day,” it said.
Sport and Recreation Victoria said it was recommended that relevant clubs discuss appropriate commemorative activities, which could be incorporated into their ANZAC Day sporting events, with their local RSL sub branch.
