Brice, Corporal C.A.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:08): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.L.J. HAMILTON-SMITH: It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Corporal Clifford Alwyn Brice. Corporal Brice (Cliff to his comrades) passed away peacefully on Saturday 30 July at the RSL Villas at Angle Park, aged 96 years. Cliff will be remembered by all those who loved him with great fondness and admiration.

Born on ANZAC Day 1921 in Kingswood, South Australia, Corporal Brice enlisted in the Australian Army on 26 July 1940 at Southwark. He was just 20 years of age. Assigned to the 2/8^th Field Ambulance, he saw active service during World War II at Tobruk in Libya, El Alamein in Egypt and in New Guinea and Borneo. Corporal Brice was one of a small group of remaining Rats of Tobruk who attended the 75^th anniversary of that battle held in Canberra in April this year. The reunion with old mates was very much a highlight for him.

For those who do not know Corporal Brice, he was the poster boy for the current ANZAC Centenary Wish me luck exhibition, showcasing photographic portraits of Australia's World War II veterans. Corporal Brice attended the launch of the event on Friday 8 July with his family, who were pleased to see him honoured in this way. Although his health had been declining over recent weeks, he was able to attend the launch with his stepson Geoff and Geoff's wife, Kath, who were both very proud to see Cliff's photo amongst the others selected for the exhibition, commenting that, 'It captures his gentle and kind nature, as well as his pride at being a Rat of Tobruk.'

Photographer and exhibitions co-curator, Louise Bagger, wrote about Cliff in her think piece published last week when she said this:

One of the most engaging Veterans I photographed, who has become the poster boy of the 'Wish Me Luck' Exhibition is 98 year old Clifford Brice, a true Rat of Tobruk! Clifford is a living legend. He represents everything that is remarkable about the unsung heroes of our communities. The shy, humble and unassuming servicemen and women who walk amongst us every day, whose stories are incredible, and whom we would never know had served because their humility prevents them from sharing this fact with us. In Clifford's case he showed me the diary he kept during his time in Tobruk, in Libya. Written on toilet paper, using a lead pencil, it is about the size of an A6 notebook, wrapped in the same protective tissue that has held it together for more than 70 years. There are precious moments in life that no-one can imagine or anticipate, and which will forever be cherished by me.

His funeral in its entirety will be held tomorrow, Friday 5 August, at the RSL Villas at 18 Trafford Street, Angle Park at 10am. His family and RSL Care invite those who wish to pay their respects to attend the service. Vale, Corporal Clifford Alwyn Brice. Lest we forget.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!