This ANZAC Day will be very different to other years with no marches, parades or the usual commemorations taking place across the country because of COVID-19.

Former Army serviceman, John Wright, of Bairnsdale, usually marches with one of his donkey’s in the ANZAC parade.

Donnie the donkey has carried an injured soldier on his back in years past, but this year will be different.

Because all ANZAC parades have been cancelled, Donnie will be confined to his home paddock at Ellaswood, however, Mr Wright has come up with a plan so his beloved donkey can still participate.

Mr Wright will drape the ANZAC Day blanket over Donnie and lead him to the edge of the road at 6am on Saturday so local neighbors can still pay their respects to the fallen.
He suspects Donnie will miss being involved in the ANZAC parade.

The 13-year-old donkey was bought by Mr Wright and his wife, Judy, from a breeder in South Australia.

They also have his son, Jindi.

The Wrights, who are members of the Donkey Society of Victoria, regularly rescue donkeys and rehome them.

They argue donkeys have great personalities and are highly intelligent.

“They don’t have the same flight response as horses, they are much more chilled,” Mrs Wright said.

“They have a lot more character.”

Mr Wright is hoping the Bairnsdale community will become involved in Purple Poppy ANZAC Day, which is usually held in February, and recognizes the millions of camels, horses, donkeys, dogs and pigeons killed in conflict.

IMAGE: John Wright with Donnie the donkey, who will be unable to march in this year’s ANZAC Day parade due to all marches being cancelled because of the coronavirus. K280-5864