Thursday, 14 August 2025

World War II commemoration

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (09:58): Victory in the Pacific Day this week marks 80 years since August 1945, when the Second World War ended and Australians could move on from years of total commitment, sacrifice and the existential threat to our country to building our nation in peace. In western Victoria the contribution was immense both at home and abroad. Despite far smaller populations at the time, enlistments were extraordinary – over 14,000 from Lowan, 9000 from Ripon, 9000 from Eureka, 7000 each from South West Coast, Geelong and Polwarth, 6000 from Wendouree and Lara, 900 from Bellarine and 700 from Melton. Men and women served in the army, navy, air force and women’s services, from the jungles of New Guinea to the seas of the Pacific. The home front also worked tirelessly. In Dunkeld locals turned rabbit pelts into slouch hats. In Bacchus Marsh women baked thousands of scones for soldiers at Darley Camp. In Heywood the air observers corps kept watch around the clock.

I thank the parliamentary library for their excellent research recording the service and celebrations across our region in 1945. Their work keeps memories alive, and of course beyond the experiences and the relief, we remember the sadness felt that day for the more than 39,000 Australians who never came home. Lest we forget.