Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

On 17 March, the Gympie RSL sub-branch honoured World War II veteran, John 'Jack' Waldock with a poppy ceremony as he was buried with his mum and dad in Gympie Cemetery. At 103, he was the oldest member of the RSL and embodied the Anzac spirit of endurance, courage, sacrifice, humour and mateship. He was born and bred in Gympie, defended Australia in the battle of Milne Bay in PNG, where Japanese forces were first defeated on land, and was an adored fixture at the Gympie RSL for over 47 years. When he turned 102 during COVID, the RSL went to Jack's house and sang 'Happy Birthday' to him from the bus to his front door.

As the Gympie RSL secretary and friend of mine, Martin Muller, said:

Jack's smile, laughter and stories from life in Gympie and the Wide Bay remind us of those who came before us and built our country. This generation met hardship with laughter, fortune with gratitude and stood by those in need.

When Australia was in need, Jack was there. When Jack was in need, Gympie and his mates from the RSL were there. My condolences go to Jack's family. Rest in peace, Jack Waldock.

See this speech in context