This year's Anzac Day was slated to be a relatively normal one, with services and marches planned across the country.
But residents of Perth and Peel, once again, were not able to attend.
On Saturday, we awoke to a raft of new COVID-19 restrictions as a three-day snap lockdown began.
Premier Mark McGowan announced the lockdown on Friday, saying it was necessary after a coronavirus outbreak in hotel quarantine led to people spending several days in the community while infectious.
This was a devastating blow for many across the community who were looking forward to gathering after last year's commemorations were canned.
Mandurah RSL sub-branch president Dave Mabbs said it was devastating to have services cancelled last minute.
"We were very disappointed to cancel considering we were on a high knowing we were going ahead with it days before," he said.
"To have it cancelled on us again was very saddening.
"A lot of work went into organising this to make it a COVID-19 safe service as we worked hand-in-hand with the SES, City of Mandurah, rangers, and police."
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Pinjarra RSL sub-branch president Les Giles held a similar sentiment.
"I'm devastated in a word," he said.
"There was so much put in by volunteers and expenses and it all came to nothing.
"The veterans were bitterly disappointed and not having the Anzac service at the new memorial for the second year in a row was upsetting."
Cancelling services only two days before came at a cost for the RSL clubs.
"It costs up to $8000 just putting road closure documentation into place," Mr Mabbs said.
"Then the gunfire breakfast was advertised. There's all that food for 200 plus people sitting there.
"We would've had QR codes on trees and tables so we have the manufacture of all of those as expenditure as well."
Despite the sudden cancellation of services, residents united at the end of their driveways at dawn to pause and pay respects to the Anzacs.
Across the Peel region, local residents held services of their own and made poppies to display in their front yards.
"We went down and raised flags yesterday and there was a good 20 to 30 wreaths set out at the memorial already," Mr Mabbs said.
"It was encouraging people were doing something. Even those people that normally wouldn't went out and held a dawn service."
"It was fabulous the turn out around town of people doing driveway services. It was really heartwarming," Mr Giles added.
The local RSL clubs are now looking forward to commemorating with the Peel community next year.
"Being veterans we understand if you're told to do something you do it. It's part of the service life," Mr Mabbs said.
"We are just looking to the future that's what service persons do."
