Garden of Remembrance, Port Lincoln RSL

The Hon. S.L. GAME (16:15): I move:

That this council—

1. Recognises the Garden of Remembrance at the Port Lincoln RSL as a deeply significant site for the local community, providing a space for reflection, remembrance, education and connection for veterans and their families;

2. Commends the tireless efforts of the Port Lincoln RSL, its volunteers and the local veteran community in maintaining and preserving this important site;

3. Affirms the broader importance of honouring and supporting veterans across South Australia, not only through memorials but also by addressing the challenges they face post-service, including mental health and social reintegration; and

4. Calls for continued investment in initiatives that support veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the recognition, care and services they deserve.

I rise today to speak in support of my motion regarding the Garden of Remembrance at the Port Lincoln RSL. This site is more than just a place of tribute; it is a symbol of gratitude, respect and reflection not just for Port Lincoln but for all South Australians who value the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Garden of Remembrance again myself. Walking through the site and speaking with local veterans and community members reinforced just how important this space is. It is not just a memorial; it is a place of deep personal significance where people come to reflect, to honour and to heal. Seeing again firsthand the care and dedication that goes into maintaining this site reaffirmed my commitment to ensuring it continues to be properly supported.

The Garden of Remembrance has undergone several important upgrades thanks to the tireless efforts of the Port Lincoln RSL and the broader veteran community. Safe and accessible footpaths have now been completed, ensuring that all visitors, including those using wheelchairs, can move safely through the site. A poignant mural has been added near the entrance, with solar lighting soon to be installed to enhance its visibility. An upgraded irrigation system has been installed and replaced as much as possible within the available funding, but further work is still needed to complete the project.

Additionally, the purchase of new machinery, including a self-propelled lawnmower and a post-hole digger, will help maintain the site with greater efficiency. Fencing work around the cemetery is also progressing, with the side fencing now complete and the front fencing set to be finished as part of the latest funding tranche. The addition of new park benches will create a dedicated reflection area near the lone pine, with a fig from Tobruk to be planted in the future, a powerful connection to our ANZAC history.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion for the cemetery centenary in 2030, with discussions underway regarding the potential installation of a commemorative sculpture. This will require more advocacy and support to ensure it is delivered in time for the significant milestone. Our office has been actively involved in raising awareness and securing funding for these developments, ensuring that the Garden of Remembrance remains a dignified and well-maintained space for veterans and their families. It was an honour to have my support for this project formally recognised by the RSL during my visit.

For generations, our service men and women have put everything on the line to defend our freedoms. They have served in conflicts across the globe, from the trenches of Gallipoli to the deserts of Afghanistan. Many return home carrying physical and emotional wounds that stay with them for life. The Garden of Remembrance stands as a solemn acknowledgement of that sacrifice, ensuring their service is never forgotten.

I want to acknowledge the government's contribution to maintaining this site. Funding its upkeep is not just about preserving a piece of land: it is about honouring the legacy of those who served. A well-maintained and respected memorial speaks volumes about how we as a society value our veterans and their families. While the government has played a role, it is the Port Lincoln RSL and the local community who have truly driven the spirit of this place. Families gather there to remember loved ones, veterans reflect on their service, and younger generations learn the true cost of war and peace.

It is a living reminder that our responsibility to those who serve does not end when they take off their uniform. That is why I have been an advocate for raising awareness and securing funding for this site. Memorials like these deserve continued investment, not just one-off contributions. The stories of our veterans should not fade over time: they should be passed down, respected and acknowledged by future generations. But remembrance alone is not enough.

If we truly want to honour our veterans, we must do more than preserve memorials: we must address the challenges they face today. Too many of our veterans struggle with the transition back to civilian life, with mental health battles, financial insecurity and a system that too often leaves them feeling marginalised. It is simply unacceptable that those who have served our country can feel abandoned once their service ends, and that is why I continue to advocate for greater support services for veterans, particularly in mental health and social reintegration. Our responsibility to them does not end when the guns fall silent: it continues in the years and decades that follow.

This motion calls both for the recognition of the Garden of Remembrance and for ongoing investment in veteran initiatives, ensuring those who have sacrificed so much receive the respect, care and support they deserve. It is not just about honouring the past but about standing with those who serve in the present and into the future.

The Garden of Remembrance is more than a memorial: it is a promise, a promise that we will never forget, that we will always honour, and that we will stand with our veterans not just in words but in actions. I commend this motion to the council.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.