Thursday, 2 May 2024

Anzac Day

Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:57): Anzac Day is always widely commemorated across the Williamstown electorate, and this year a different part of the Anzac Day story was highlighted. Thanks to an almost $30,000 grant from the state government Victoria Remembers grants program, This Story Australia worked with the Williamstown Football Club to highlight the stories of four service personnel who play for or have played for or supported the Williamstown Football Club. This Story Australia is a charitable organisation that aims to provide better understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by many veterans throughout their service and upon their return to civilian life.

The project interviewed Private Danica Pedersen, who served during peacetime; Private Ernie Poole and Lieutenant Colonel David Catterall, who both served during the Vietnam conflict; and Private George Mazouris, who served in Korea. Each interview provides a unique perspective on service, the linking theme being of course the Williamstown Football Club. The initial compilation of the interviews aired on Anzac Day prior to the Williamstown versus Werribee match, where the Williamstown Seagulls triumphed over the Werribee Tigers 101–49. Sorry about that, Treasurer. The full 10-minute interviews will be released in the coming weeks.

I would also like to highlight and say thank you to the RSL branches in my electorate, who every year work tirelessly to support veterans and their families, as well as organising and coordinating Anzac Day and other commemorative services. Thank you to the Friends of Williamstown RSL and the Altona, Newport and Spotswood–Kingsville RSLs.