Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

May I also commend the member for Hughes for moving this motion in support of our national servicemen, a motion that aims to recognise in this parliament the important role that our servicemen have played in the defence of Australia. Nashos, as they are affectionately known, are an important part of our military history. Australia owes a great debt to our servicemen, who fought for the advancement of and protection of Australia's national interests. These are men who underwent military training and served our nation, many on foreign soil, in the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Across the three branches of the armed services, around 227,000 young men served during the first National Service Scheme, between 1951 and 1959. During this period, in which Australia faced a number of international security challenges, our national servicemen were an important part of our military capability. More than 804,000 registered for national service under the second scheme, in 1964. Of those, more than 63,000 were called up to serve in the Australian Army between 1964 and 1972. During this time more than 15,000 of the nashos went on to serve in the Vietnam War, where some 200 died and more than 1,200 were wounded. To these men we are indebted.

In the short time we have today, I would particularly like to acknowledge some of the national servicemen in my community, on the Central Coast. On the Central Coast we have a strong and active presence of veterans' groups, supporting not only the nashos but also our wider community. Part of the work that is done includes local organisations supporting initiatives such as Trek 4 Vets, as well as supporting the Cancer Care Centre's Shirley Shuttle and the Brisbane Water arm of Legacy. Indeed, Ken Lyons, who is heavily involved in the work happening around the Gosford community, told me that for 18 years our national servicemen have been delivering Easter eggs to patients at Gosford Hospital. Each year, in the week leading up to Easter, the members donate money to buy chocolate eggs and spend a day spreading Easter cheer to patients and their families. Ken said that the first stop is always the children's ward, where it is rewarding to see the reaction from the children. He also mentioned that the members never want the adult patients to miss out either, so there are always plenty of Easter goodies to go around. This is a wonderful tradition, which Ken said means a lot to the nashos and also to the wider community.

I want to take this opportunity to also recognise the National Service 1951-1972 Re-Enactment Unit based in my electorate of Robertson and the important role they play in commemorating our national servicemen. The unit commander, David Myers, told me their motto is to 'respect and honour the memory', an important reminder for us to do the same. The re-enactment unit is a group of 18 members, 14 of whom are ex-servicemen, that does both ceremonial and educational re-enactments across the Central Coast. David said to me that visiting nursing homes like Tarragal House, BlueWave Living and Woodport Aged Care are some of the most special events for the unit. National servicemen are often residents of these villages and David said it allows both the unit members and residents to reflect on and to share stories of their time in the service.

The unit also plays an important role in educating the younger members of our community, sharing with them the significance of our national servicemen as part of our proud military history. The unit also visits schools across the Central Coast, including St Philip's Christian College, St Edward's Catholic College and Central Coast Grammar School, where they officiate Anzac Day ceremonies or act as a ceremonial honour guard. David said to me that this is an important part of the unit's mission, honouring the memory of our national servicemen and encouraging younger Australians to reflect on their sacrifice.

In closing, I encourage all Australians to reflect on the sacrifices these men have made for our nation. It is important to recognise our servicemen throughout the year, but particularly every year, on 14 February, which is National Servicemen's Day. So, today, I pay tribute to our national servicemen and thank them for their service to the nation.

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