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North Shore Electorate Anzac Day Commemorations

Published on: May 2026

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-163978

North Shore Electorate Anzac Day Commemorations

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (19:34:13):

Anzac Day remains one of the most significant days on our national calendar, when we come together to honour the sacrifice of our veterans. It is a time to remember the 103,000 Australians who sacrificed their lives in our country's name. This year marks the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, which members will know was the first major military action that Australian and New Zealand forces fought in during the First World War. My local community has been widely represented across the generations in times of war and peacekeeping. The call to service has always been answered, and we remember and pay tribute to all those who have served in conflicts around the world. In my community, our local veterans are served by three RSL sub-branches, in Mosman, North Sydney and Kirribilli. Each year they go above and beyond to ensure that our community can participate in the services on Anzac Day and in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Beneath the Slouch Hat BrimThe Last PostThe Rouse

This year Mosman RSL Sub-Branch hosted a solemn Sunday service the week before Anzac Day at Mosman War Memorial. I acknowledge all those who contributed to the service, including the 206 Army Cadet Unit, which served as the catafalque party; Queenwood senior choir and string quartet; Mosman Council; Zoe Fenwick from Queenwood, who recited the poem ; and Sophie Hunt for playing and . I also acknowledge Mosman piper Andrew Blow and Reverend Andy Bleach from St Peter's Anglican Church, Cremorne. The service ended with a march of community members and veterans. We all marched from the war memorial to the Mosman Club for afternoon tea. I give special thanks to the Mosman RSL Sub-Branch committee for its efforts organising this, including president Alan Toner, vice‑president Steven Wilson, vice-president James Malcolm, secretary Geoffrey Rickards, treasurer Steven Ryan and membership coordinator Andrew James. Kirribilli RSL Sub-Branch also hosted a Sunday service at North Sydney War Memorial.

Waterhen

I acknowledge all those who contributed, including the Shore School cadets, Hornsby RSL Pipe Band, maritime spiritual wellbeing officer Andrew Lipczynski from HMAS in Waverton and Jane Anderson from the Veterans' Review Board. I give special thanks to Kirribilli RSL Sub-Branch president, John Kirton, secretary Tom Richardson, OAM, vice-president Terry Harper, vice-president John Marsden, AFC, and treasurer Lisa Meehan. I was grateful to be able to join them. This year I joined thousands of members of the Mosman community for the Anzac Day dawn service at the former parade grounds at Georges Heights. The dawn service is always an event of reverence and respect. It is always a privilege to join my local community in the crisp early morning to pay our respects together.

Penguin

I give special thanks to everyone who contributed to that service, including the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which hosted the event; the HMAS service personnel who formed the catafalque party; Mosman High School staff and students from the symphonic wind ensemble; Mosman SES, with its incredible directing of parking; Mosman Preparatory School; Reverend Andy Bleach from St Peter's Anglican Church, Cremorne; and Mosman RSL Sub-Branch members and families. I was also able to join members of the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch for breakfast at the Greens North Sydney following the dawn service at North Sydney War Memorial.

I give special thanks to Barry Lloyd, who laid a wreath on my behalf at that service. I acknowledge the North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch committee president, Alex Wilson, JP, who is a longstanding and much-loved president; secretary Chris Greatrex; and treasurer Andrew Goodsall. I also recognise Wenona School, 1st North Sydney Scout Group, Cammeray Scout Group, North Sydney Council, Norths Collective, Greens North Sydney, Scots College Old Boys Pipes and Drums, Reddam House North Shore and maritime spiritual wellbeing officer Catherine Wynn-Jones, RAN. I then joined the Neutral Bay Club for its special 11.00 a.m. service followed by some two-up that it hosted.

Later in the day I joined the Warringah Bowls Club for a special sunset service to finish the day. I thank both of those clubs for setting aside time for our community to pay their respects. They have grown in patronage over the years because it is the desire of so many members of our community to use the public holiday not only for their own recreation but also to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who came before us. Anzac has come to stand for the positive qualities that Australians have seen their forces show in times of war. These qualities are generally accepted to include endurance, courage, mateship, ingenuity and good humour.

I thank and recognise all my local community organisations, particularly our RSL sub-branches. By coming together, our community showed that it sees in our veterans and current serving members the attributes of Anzac within our own local armed services. I thank all of them for their service in the past and for their work that ensures we can continue to recognise and support our veterans and veterans organisations. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them every day, particularly on Anzac Day. Lest we forget.