Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) — I rise today to note the passing of long-term Craigieburn resident and World War II veteran Bert Foster. Bert enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force in 1941, serving in the Middle East and Papua New Guinea. He was discharged in 1946, marrying his sweetheart, Norma. Bert and Norma moved to Craigieburn in 1973 along with their children, Victor and Lynette. He worked locally at the Dunlop tyre factory in Somerton prior to his retirement in 1980, but he remained active in the community.

Last year I had the opportunity to profile Bert’s story as part of my annual Anzac Day flyer. In the process of putting this together, the president of the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, Kevin O’Callaghan, identified that Bert was eligible for the Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 for peacekeeping service in the Papua New Guinea theatre. It was a great privilege to help present Bert with this medal last September.

Bert’s recollections of his service were vivid and detailed, including landing under enemy fire at Papua New Guinea’s airfield and fighting close-quarter battles in difficult jungle conditions. He remained dedicated to preserving the legacy of our servicemen and women and attended the local Anzac Day service every year. Indeed this year, shortly before his 96th birthday, Bert laid a wreath at the new war memorial in Craigieburn. This memorial is an important project, and I know Bert was delighted to see it completed.

My condolences to Bert’s family and friends, in particular his daughter, Lynette. I know that his contribution to our community and our country will never be forgotten