Nobbys Beach will be empty when the sun rises on Anzac Day next Saturday morning.
Instead, the thousands of people who have made the annual pilgrimage to the beach in recent years have been asked to unite for a dawn service of a different kind.
From the outback to the coast, Australians have been asked to stand with a candle in their driveways or living rooms at 6:00am to recognise past and current armed services personnel.
While it can never replace the traditional Anzac service, Newcastle RSL sub branch president Ken Fayle said he hoped people would make time next Saturday to reflect on the meaning of the day.
"I've got to say I'm a little bit gutted we can't do anything this year," Mr Fayle, a Vietnam War veteran, said.
"There's not a lot of options, but anything people do will be appreciated. Even if it's just for a couple of minutes like reading the Oath or keeping a minute's silence.
"As long as it's done with dignity and respect, that is all we ask."
The NSW RSL has also encouraged people to take part in a Community Ode by recording a video of themselves reciting The Ode and posting it to social media in the lead-up to Anzac Day
"The Ode is a crucial element of all Anzac Day services, its words embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians as a way we can solemnly communicate our enduring appreciation for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Ode is also an enduring promise that we will continue to honour them, and never forget," Acting President of RSL NSW Ray James said.
"This year, as we cannot come together in person, these video messages alongside any personal messages of support will be one way we all come together in our time of commemoration, albeit virtually."
The Australian War Memorial Anzac day service is scheduled to proceed and will be broadcast on the ABC from 5:30am AEST.
The service will involve a revised ceremony with no veterans' march and no members of the public present.
"Anzac Day is a symbolic day for Australians and New Zealanders with the Australian War Memorial being the centre of Australia's national commemoration," Anne Bennie, assistant director of public programs said.
"Due to COVID-19 the Memorial is not open to the public and we will be encouraging people to mark Anzac Day respectfully from their homes."
At 11:30am local time, a two-minute reflection video will be live-streamed across all ABC local radio Facebook pages.
For more information on the #ANZACspirit campaign visit www.rslanzacspirit.com.au
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