Tuesday, 2 May 2023

 Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (14:53): I recently attended a number of Anzac Day services across my electorate of Western Victoria. One of particular note was the Ballarat day service conducted by the Ballarat sub-branch of the RSL. I would like to acknowledge Ballarat RSL sub-branch president Alan Douglass, the committee and his magnificent team of volunteers. On a beautiful autumn morning in Ballarat there was a huge attendance turning out to show respect for those who had sacrificed everything so that we can have the life and the way that we currently live and enjoy today. This service was moving and thoughtful, and I could see everyone was participating with a great sense of reverence. What made the day even more special was the attendance of representatives from HMAS Ballarat, whose vessel is obviously named after the magnificent city of Ballarat. As we continue to debate matters in this place into the future, we must never forget that the fallen soldiers who fought for our freedom, our individuality and our right to speak out, to have diverse views and to peacefully coexist did that for us. To all those that have fallen and their families, lest we forget.