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Remembrance Day

Published on: November 2021

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-120563

Remembrance Day

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (16:59:57):

On Remembrance Day, we remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. As we all know, Remembrance Day falls on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. On the eleventh hour of the day every year, we acknowledge a moment's silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. That date and time was the moment that the guns on the Western Front fell silent after four years of terrible conflict during World War I. On Remembrance Day, we reflect and ensure that the memory lives on of the more than 100,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.

This year, for the first time in more than two decades, Australia commemorated Remembrance Day while not currently involved in active conflict. We have recognised and commemorated our service men and women for more than a century in Australia. The tradition of wearing the red poppy as a symbol of our recognition dates back to the final year of the First World War. In 1918, the secretary of the French YMCA, Madame Guerin, started selling silk poppies to help needy soldiers. The practice of selling poppies in Australia started 100 years ago in 1921. It has become a way for Australians to show they do not forget those who served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

After another challenging year with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, it was encouraging to see that RSL sub-branches and councils across New South Wales and in my community could host Remembrance Day services, albeit with smaller numbers to follow COVID-safe rules. We often gather at a local war memorial for those services and I recognise the importance of local war memorials in our community. We recently received funding for the North Sydney War Memorial through the Community War Memorials Fund, to clean the almost 100-year-old stonework of the memorial. That important restoration work means that we can conserve that significant local landmark. I recognise the tireless work of the North Sydney RSL sub-Branch to ensure that the North Sydney War Memorial remains a place of reflection now and for future generations.

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Due to inclement weather, this Remembrance Day I joined the Mosman RSL sub-Branch for its service at the Mosman Art Gallery, which is next door to the Mosman War Memorial. I thank the Mosman RSL sub-Branch President Peter Watson for hosting this year's service. I acknowledge the work of the committee in preparing for the service and adapting to the conditions at short notice. I thank guest speaker Chief Petty Officer Medical John Blackstone from HMAS , in Mosman, for his reflective and respectful words. I further recognise Anne Powell of the Mosman RSL sub-Branch for reading the poem army chaplain Reverend Tim St Quintin from St Peter's Anglican Church for reading the prayer of the Australian Defence Force; Mosman council mayor Carolyn Corrigan; secretary of the Mosman RSL sub-Branch, Chris Dunne; and Rex Vidler for their contributions to the service.

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I also thank bugler Miles Bennett and singer Marianna Malenica, who is a year 12 student from Mosman High School. She is currently sitting her HSC exams but took the time out to join us for the service. The North Sydney RSL sub-Branch held a service at the North Sydney War Memorial. I thank president Alex Wilson and vice-president Geoff Watson for hosting the small but respectful service. I acknowledge Chaplain Mark Raymond, who led the hymn and prayers; and Commander Mick Miller, the commanding officer of HMAS in Waverton, who delivered the commemorative address.

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I acknowledge well-known and much-loved singer Kamahl, who always delivers a moving rendition of a poem or a song at our services. He delivered the poem and led the singing of the Australian National Anthem. I also recognise bugler MacKenzie Anderson for playing the and the . My special thanks go to Elinor Prevost for laying a wreath on my behalf while I was at the Mosman service. The Kirribilli RSL sub-Branch held a service at the Kirribilli Club and I thank president Julian Robinson. During the service, secretary Tom Richardson led the Prayer of Remembrance and Prayer for Peace, and John Marsden read the . The Kirribilli RSL sub-Branch also recognised veterans from law enforcement agencies and emergency services. In particular I thank Barry Lloyd, who laid a wreath on my behalf while I was at Mosman. I acknowledge all members of my local sub-branches in Mosman, North Sydney and Kirribilli. I recognise the service men and women locally, across New South Wales and across the country who have served us with such honour. On this day and every day, we remember them. Lest we forget.

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Seven Hills) (17:04:45):

I commend the member for North Shore for her private member's statement. Her reference to the various communities that she is involved goes to show the excellent work she does as a local member. I also draw attention to the New South Wales Community War Memorials Fund, which was mentioned by the member. The fund helps to conserve, repair and protect war memorials across New South Wales. As the member mentioned, grants and funds are available for that restoration. I inform the House that applications for funding opened on 11 November and close on 11 February 2022. I encourage the community to take up that opportunity to apply for funding.