Hunter residents are being encouraged to commemorate Anzac Day at home this Saturday by lighting up the dawn.

In Lake Macquarie, Mayor Kay Fraser said community safety was the highest priority when remembering the sacrifices made by service men and women.

Despite the restrictions caused by COVID-19, Cr Fraser urged residents to instead participate in a driveway commemoration.

“At 6am on Anzac Day [25 April], light up the dawn by standing at the end of your driveway, on your balcony, or in your living room to remember all those who have served and sacrificed,” she said.

Lake Macquarie City Council is inviting musicians to play the Last Post and Rouse, or Reveille.

The organisation Music for Mateship has provided tutorials on how to learn the music, as well as a sample letter to notify your neighbour of your involvement.

“It will be a powerful moment to have musicians around our city all playing together from their homes,” Cr Fraser added.

“It’s an important day for the community to pause and pay tribute to the many men and women who have served, and died, for our country.”

Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band will perform from home in Arcadia Vale (Donnelly Street) and Blackalls Park (Reynolds Street and Rose Street), while Toronto Brass Band is set to play at Belmont North, Buttaba (Earswick Crescent), Cooranbong, Kilaben Bay (Jarrett Street and Lakeview Street), Morisset (The Grange Village) and Rathmines (Secret Corner Road).

Cardiff North Lakes Brass Band will play at Belmont North (Sunrise Close), Coal Point (Skye Point Road), Mount Hutton (Auklet Road), Garden Suburb (Irvine Street), and Warners Bay (Maurie Avenue).

RSL NSW has organised a range of additional activities for Australian’s to get involved in on the day.

ANZAC Day 2020 is a Facebook event where you can record yourself reciting the ode or sharing a message of support for veterans.

Use the hashtag #ANZACSpirit, you can share how you’ll be commemorating privately, as well as who you’ll be remembering this ANZAC Day.

“It’s wonderful to see the ways that NSW RSLs have adapted to create meaningful events that everyone can be a part of,” Cr Fraser added.

Cr Fraser said it was also an important day to check in with friends or family who might be isolated during these challenging times.

“The Anzac spirit encapsulates mateship and looking out for each other – something that is more important than ever.” said Cr Fraser.

“Many of our older citizens are isolated at the moment, [and] Anzac Day can be a reminder to give them a call and check in and see how they are feeling.

“You can even use it as an opportunity to learn about their past and our history.”

If you are looking for other activities, The Australian War Memorial has posted some of its Favourite Anzac Biscuit Recipes on its website for you to spend the day cooking with your family.

A live broadcast of the National Commemorative Service will also air on ABC from 5.30am.