Nationals Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker used a recent speech in the Federal Parliament to personally thank the communities in the Bellinger Valley for their commitment to commemorating the Centenary of ANZAC.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Speaking in the House of Representatives last week, Mr Hartsuyker noted the extraordinary sacrifice and dedication of the first ANZACs, and thanked Urunga, Bellingen, and Dorrigo:
“Gallipoli was the beginning of that terrible sacrifice…While almost all Australians have heard of Gallipoli, it is important not to forget the sacrifices at Passchendaele, Fromelles, Pozieres, Polygon Wood and the deserts of Palestine and Sinai. What is important now is how we honour the sacrifice of those who served during World War I. I think we have done them justice.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Barb Piggott, Dick Nicholson and Tubby Bathgate in helping the Urunga RSL branch to get a new cabinet to display war memorabilia.
“Anzac Day is always well supported in the Bellingen shire, and this year was extra special. The Bellingen RSL sub-branch created an excellent mobile display of World War I memorabilia and war equipment, which was showcased to schools and the community.
“The great work of Brian and Kathy Mortimer with the assistance of Rick Maunder ensured that the Anzac Centenary was appropriately recognised.
“The Dorrigo community re-enacted the First World War recruitment march...I would like to recognise the extraordinary effort of all those involved in making the services a success in local communities throughout our region.” (House of Representatives Hansard, 24 June 2015, Page 108)
“The Centenary of ANZAC commemorations are a poignant time in our nation’s history. I am proud of the way the Cowper electorate has honoured the memory of the ANZACs with dignity and passion,” Mr Hartsuyker said.