Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (14:23:09) — It was my honour to attend the first Remembrance Day service to take place at the new Craigieburn War Memorial. I have noted the new war memorial a number of times in this place, as it is such an important addition to the Yuroke community, located in the heart of Craigieburn and accessible to all residents, young and old. One of the veterans on hand to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in service to our country was 93-year-old World War II veteran and local resident Robert Stokes. Robert served throughout the war in New Guinea at Lae, New Britain and Jacquinot Bay, being discharged in 1946. It is a tribute to Robert that some 75 years after he was first called up for military duty, he still works to ensure that the next generation remembers the sacrifices made by others.

A big thankyou to Kevin O’Callaghan and everyone involved in the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee for ensuring that this fitting mark of respect to our servicemen and women could take place. Committee vice-president John Lynch did an excellent job as MC in keeping the proceedings to precision timing.

I also wish to congratulate the over 150 local residents who attended and paid their respects to the fallen and showed their support for our veterans, as well as Maureen Reed and other volunteers from the Craigieburn Poppy Project, who provided dozens of crocheted poppies to adorn the gardens that surround the memorial. I am sure that our community will turn out again for next year’s 100th anniversary Remembrance Day service, and help build the community appreciation of our country’s history.