Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (13:18): I wish to congratulate and thank Ringwood and District Cricket Association president Michael Finn and the entire association for their commitment to honouring those who courageously served our country in the Great War and wars since and paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms and our way of life. The RDCA has demonstrated exceptional leadership by introducing a Remembrance Day cricket round on the second Saturday in November, an initiative that has been embraced by all cricket clubs across our region. It was an honour to attend the inaugural RDCA Remembrance Day service with my colleague David Hodgett the member for Croydon, hosted by Croydon Ranges Cricket Club, with Ringwood RSL. It was fantastic to see huge attendances from many local cricket clubs, including Lilydale, Seville, Mount Evelyn and Chirnside Park.

On the same day, Wandin cricket club held its inaugural Remembrance Day round and commemorative service together with Lilydale RSL. It was well attended by the local community, and I pay tribute to president Bryce Edwards and Lilydale RSL president Bill Dobson. It was an honour to address the service and recount the role cricket played, with many test and first-class cricketers having served at Gallipoli, some never to return home. Montrose women’s cricket team held a commemorative service on the Sunday before their match, and Mount Evelyn held one before their T20 match Tuesday night. Despite rain washing out games last Saturday, the RDCA and Wandin services were a success, with our local cricket community coming together for this commemoration. Lest we forget.