Anzac Day
Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (10:54): The spirit of Anzac is well and truly alive, and I have to say that in this recent period—on Anzac Day and for the surrounding commemorations—I was honoured to be at a number of locations, and the numbers seem to be growing at each and every one of these. The Prahran RSL event at Victoria Gardens was an important gathering, and was well attended, I might say. The commemoration that that RSL runs at Victoria Gardens every year is one that I am very honoured to attend, and I welcome the chance to talk to veterans and many community members too. The Wattle Park commemoration, run by the Wattle Park Heritage Group—with Ed Bright and presided over by Tom Thorpe—is at one very significant location. The Lone Pine is looking very healthy this year. It was not some years ago; it is now. I make the point that the son of the Lone Pine there is indeed growing very well. I welcome that, and the significant attendance.
I was honoured too to join the march on Anzac Day. That too was a very significant occasion. Brett Hayhoe laid a wreath at Oakleigh Cenotaph on my behalf, and I thank him for that greatly. I was also honoured to be at the Surrey Hills dawn service on Anzac Day itself, which seems to be growing significantly. I estimate more than 1000 people were there, and that is a reflection of the great spirit of Anzac that we so much welcome.