Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Anzac Day

Paul HAMER (Box Hill) (13:10): On the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 stood a lone pine tree, the sole survivor of a group of trees which had existed prior to the Gallipoli campaign and a reflection of Australia’s great losses. Tucked into the rucksack of a 25-year-old private, Thomas Keith McDowell, was a pine cone from this tree, which he brought back to Australia. From the seeds of this cone four seedlings grew, and today one of these four seedlings continues to stand tall in Wattle Park, 91 years on, forever serving as a reminder of the horrors and sacrifices of war. There was a fine gathering at this living shrine on 21 April, and I congratulate the Wattle Park Heritage Group and the Melbourne Tramways Band for their tribute to our soldiers.

It was an honour to join the Box Hill RSL and members of the Box Hill community at the annual Anzac Day dawn service in Box Hill. For over 100 years the Box Hill RSL have organised the Anzac Day service, and I thank them for honouring those who have sacrificed so much for our country and our freedoms.

I would like to acknowledge the Blackburn RSL sub-branch, which again hosted a moving Anzac Day dawn service at Morton Park. Many gathered in honour of the men and women who have served our country. I congratulate the Blackburn RSL committee for their service.

I would like to acknowledge the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Progress Association, the Rotary Club of Mont Albert and Surrey Hills and the Surrey Hills Historical Society for another wonderful Anzac Day dawn service at the shrine in Surrey Gardens. The service was again very well attended by the local Surrey Hills and Mont Albert communities. Lest we forget.