Thursday, 4 May 2023

Members statements

Anzac Day

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:39): I was honoured to attend the Anzac Day service held in Beaconsfield on Sunday 23 April at the war memorial at the Beaconsfield cenotaph. This special service, which was established in 1999 by the late Tony Rushton, was organised by the Beaconsfield Progress Association and included a special tribute to Beaconsfield soldiers Mick and Hughie McNaughton. Cr Brett Owen shared the story of the McNaughton brothers, which was researched and written by local historian Penny Harris Jennings.

Mick was the youngest brother and left for Egypt, joining the 22nd Infantry Battalion, in 1915, with his brother Hughie following months later. They fought the tough and cruel battle for two years until Hughie returned home and sadly passed away soon after. In 1919 Mick returned home when the war ended, married in Beaconsfield and named his first son Hugh. These two men were rightfully paid tribute to, as were all other local veterans.

I also had the privilege of attending the Cranbourne Anzac Day service organised by the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL sub-branch, and I was so impressed by the number of community members in attendance. Hundreds of people showed up to pay their respects to those who have participated in all theatres of war. Importantly, many in the crowd were young children representing their schools and learning about and respecting their proud nation’s history. Member for Holt Cassandra Fernando made a passionate speech honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Lest we forget.