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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-11-11 Daily Xml
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Grievance Debate

Remembrance Day

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:13): Earlier today, on the 11th hour, I stood in silence alongside much of the country. It is an important day of remembrance for all Australians, and, like many members here, I attended one of my local RSLs to honour those who have served. Early this morning I left and travelled to Waikerie to visit the RSL sub-branch, and I had the opportunity to reflect with members of the local community. It was a moving service for those who fought for our freedoms in all wars and armed conflicts.

I met students from the Ramco Primary School: Thomas and Miya, who are two students from the year 3/4 class. They both gave a beautiful presentation on Australian dogs in conflicts. Miya spoke about an Australian bulldog called Digger. Adopted by Sergeant James Martin from Hindmarsh in South Australia, he was smuggled on a troopship to Gallipoli in 1914 and later served on the Western Front in France and Belgium. Miya told us that Digger was well known for sensing incoming bombardments and gas attacks, giving soldiers time to take cover, and he would run food and messages to and from wounded soldiers.

Thomas spoke about Sarbi, a Labrador-Newfoundland cross. She was deployed in Afghanistan in 2007 with her handler, Corporal David Simpson. She served as a bomb detection dog, specialising in improvised explosive devices. Thomas told us that Sarbi sadly went missing on her second tour to Afghanistan when her vehicle convoy was ambushed but, thankfully, she was spotted 13 months later in an Afghan village and was eventually returned home.

It was great to hear from our local students and to see them involved in such an important day. I must say that a lot of the proud and rich history of the Riverland is based on the returned soldier settlement properties that were set up after those men and women who served their country came home. They set up farm and created a new life for themselves. I spoke with RSL members, many of whom are still active in the local community. I thank President Andrew Walker and his team at the Waikerie RSL Sub-Branch, for putting on an outstanding effort, and Father Karl from Barmera for his touching tribute. As I said, there is a rich history of returned service personnel, particularly with our soldier settlement properties.

Regional Returned and Services League clubs always organise an outstanding service, and they do play a vital role in maintaining an important part of our history and reminding us just how lucky we are. The contribution to our local community does not go unnoticed. Thank you to all who have held services right across the electorate and right across South Australia for those of us here today who attended. It reminds us of the sacrifice made by those who served our country, creating community and supporting our veterans.

Some of the other RSL sub-branches in the electorate had services at Swan Reach, Loxton, Waikerie, Morgan, Barmera, Berri, Renmark and Blanchetown. I want to reiterate that Remembrance Day in many ways is about looking back on those who served and the legacy they left us, but it is also important that new generations look forward to make sure that they send the message they reflect and that they continue to prompt us to give homage, to give respect, for those who did such an outstanding job in giving us the free democracy that we live in today. For all those who attended the services we say thank you as proud Australians, remembering those who served our communities.

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