Julia Banks (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the invaluable contributions and integral role the Box Hill RSL makes to Chisholm and to the broader community. A beacon of mateship, community support, companionship and an important home for the commemoration of our local war history, the Box Hill RSL is an integral part of the Chisholm community. The Box Hill RSL serves its members and the community with pivotal veterans' services and plays an undeniably essential role in the Chisholm community. They uphold Australian values of integrity, loyalty, patriotism, empathy, mateship and commemoration. Importantly, they ensure that we, as Australians, continue to honour our service men and women by providing outstanding advocacy and welfare.

Last Saturday, I was honoured to meet Colonel Jan McCarthy, guest speaker at the Box Hill annual function. She served in the Australian Army for 26 years. A former director of Army nursing, she nursed many Australians during the Vietnam War.

I would also like to pay a special tribute to the Box Hill RSL's extremely hardworking committee, comprising President Tony Bowden, Vice-President Trevor Symes, Secretary Ray Wall, Treasurer Arthur Merryweather, John Haward, Brian Tateson, John Sheehan, Judy Coates and Robin Dawes.

As we remember those who sacrificed so much so that the 'lights of freedom and humanity might continue to shine' during this our ANZAC centenary, I am particularly proud to be associated with the Box Hill RSL, which represents the pinnacle of Australian mateship.

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