Napier Electorate

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:36): I rise today to speak about a number of ANZAC events in my electorate and also our dedicated and hardworking volunteers in the northern suburbs. On 25 April this year, millions of people across our country gathered to remember those who gave their lives that morning on the Turkish cliffs 101 years ago.

Always a sombre affair at the Elizabeth RSL, crowds gathered in quiet reflection of the military sacrifice made by so many Australians who paid the ultimate price when they gave their lives for our nation. Australia is a proud nation of promise, opportunity and commitment to justice, a great nation that their sacrifice helped create. We paid our respects not only to the Australian men and women who have served in wars, peacekeeping missions or other roles across the last 117 years but also to those who work on the farms and factories, the miners, timber workers and everyone who has supplied and supported our service men and women while they do what is required to ensure our freedom.

At Smithfield, the commemoration started on ANZAC eve with the overnight vigil featuring the Playford International College choir. It was a calm and cool night as the flag raising and hat placing ceremonies were observed. The first guard of the night mounted the memorial, with guard changes every 30 minutes throughout the night until dawn. The duty to maintain this vigil was shared by our local young people from Edinburgh Park Scouts, Playford District Girl Guides, St John Ambulance Playford and Golden Grove cadet divisions and other young people and leaders from across the north. The vigil is in its fourth year and is organised by volunteer leaders in conjunction with the City of Playford.

The Smithfield Sports and Social Club supports the vigil and provides a wonderful breakfast following the dawn service. Thank you to all those young people who guarded the memorial throughout the night. A special mention to Alan from St John Ambulance who was the commander of the flag and hat ceremonies for the vigil opening. Alan served overnight and then commanded the flags for the dawn service. I must also give thanks to Suzanne McHale from the City of Playford; Alex Coates, Karina and Arron Jones, and Hayden Colson from St John; Brett Kallin and Darrell Morcom from Scouts; Katrina Stroet and Angela Wareing from guides; as well as Andrew Davey from the T.S. Stuart Navy Cadets. The dawn service at Smithfield was led by Pastor Bryan Sellars, with music again provided by the Playford International School choir. It was attended by more than 2,000 people.

At One Tree Hill, over 1,000 people braved the chilly morning to attend this solemn and moving service. Thank you to the Royal Australian Navy, Army and RAAF personnel who assisted the One Tree Hill Progress Association, and great work by June Owens, Pat Jones and the whole One Tree Hill Progress Association team for their efforts. The One Tree Hill service concluded with a breakfast prepared by the One Tree Hill cubs and scouts, following which attendees could take the opportunity to view a comprehensive display of memorabilia from the war years. A collection was donated by local residents and is of a very high standard. A large crowd also gathered at the Elizabeth RSL, where the acting president, Frank Coker, and his team ensured that the service was well organised and went off without a hitch.

I, like all Australians, am proud of our country and the military personnel who serve our great nation. Last week, across the nation, we recognised the efforts of our volunteers. I want to take some time to thank our volunteers who give their time so selflessly: groups like our emergency services and front-line volunteers from the Dalkeith and One Tree Hill CFS brigades, the Edinburgh SES, St John Ambulance Playford and Gawler, the Playford Community Fund, the Northern Domestic Violence Service, Northern Carers Network, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, and the Salvos. These volunteers tackle fires, road crashes, storm damage, and medical emergencies, or provide front-line support, with food, shelter, counselling, and other essential services to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.

It was interesting when I met some of the hardworking and long-serving Lyell McEwin Hospital volunteers last week: 800 volunteers from the Lyell McEwin who are committed to assisting the patients and relatives at either challenging or positive times in their lives. They do this through ward visiting, providing directions, raising money through gift or op shops, and completing gardening. I also thank the volunteers who assist the City of Playford and especially the Playford Greening volunteers who recently celebrated 30 years of service, particularly Pauline Frost. There are also dedicated volunteers at the Town of Gawler, sporting and other not-for-profit organisations, including Davoren Park Youth and Community Club, Rotary, Lions, and our local churches.