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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-05-07 Daily Xml
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Centenary of ANZAC

Mr GEE (Napier) (15:26): I rise today to speak about the centenary of ANZAC. On 25 April 2015 millions of people across our country stopped to remember the men who gave their lives that morning on those Turkish cliffs 100 years ago. As I stood amongst the thousands of people at Smithfield, I thought of those men on that morning, full of life and a sense of adventure. I thought of the 102,804 other Australians who have given their life for our nation, a nation of promise, opportunity and safety, the great nation that they helped create. I thought of the Australian men and women who have served in all the wars across the last hundred or so years; whether on the front line in hand-to-hand combat or in nursing or communications, whether on land or sea or in the air, they have done this nation proud and they continue to do so.

At Smithfield the commemoration started on ANZAC eve with the overnight vigil opening, featuring the Fremont-Elizabeth City High School choir. It was bleak, wet and stormy as the flag-raising and hat-placing ceremonies were observed, along with the laying of the cross by the mayor in a field of crosses made by local schoolchildren. After the formalities the first guard of the night mounted the memorial, with guard changes every 30 minutes through 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 Cadet Division and the Legion of Frontiersmen Cadets. I thank and pay respect to all these young people, who braved the very cold, wet and wintry night. It was a fantastic effort. I also want to thank Suzanne McHale and Rebecca Reid from the City of Playford, Brett Kallin and Darrell Morcom from Scouts, Heather Barnes from Guides, Alex Coates, Karina Jones, Arron Jones and Daniel Starkey from St John, as well as Alvin Warren and Gil Wise from the Legion, plus all other leaders who gave their time to assist.

The vigil is in its third year and is organised by the volunteer leaders in conjunction with the City of Playford. I thank the Smithfield Sports and Social Club for supporting the vigil. The dawn service at Smithfield was led by Pastor Bryan Sellers with more music from the Fremont choir. It was a moving event attended by about 3,000 people, a significant rise from last year. I also thank the TS Stuart Navy Cadets for their participation in the dawn service.

The service at One Tree Hill was also a solemn event, with over 1,000 people braving the cold to attend the service led by Wing Commander Pat Woods from the RAAF. Reverend Brian Polkinghorne from the One Tree Hill Uniting Church was also presiding. I also thank the RAAF and the Royal Australian Navy and Army personnel who assisted the One Tree Hill Progress Association. I must also thank June Owens and Pat Jones and the whole One Tree Hill Progress Association team for their efforts.

The One Tree Hill service concludes with a breakfast prepared by the One Tree Hill cubs and scouts, which is very much appreciated by everyone. After breakfast, attendees can view a comprehensive display of memorabilia from the war years. The collection is all donated by local residents and of a very high standard.

A large crowd also gathered at our Elizabeth RSL, where the president, Tony Thompson, and his team ensured that the day will long be remembered. I also acknowledge and thank all the Playford residents who sewed handmade poppies as part of the centenary of ANZAC. A special thank you goes to Scott Pridham who made and presented to me my very own handmade poppy. I am proud of all the military personnel who serve our great nation, as all Australians should be proud of their country and ready to serve.

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