Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge a true Australian hero, Damien Batty, from Kempsey in my electorate of Cowper. Damien is an Army veteran, having served his country for 26 years doing tours in Afghanistan, Solomons and Timor-Leste. Since retiring a few years ago, 'Damo' has had his own personal struggles, like many of our veterans, but he was determined not to be beaten. Just last week, after many months of training, Damien competed in the Warrior Games in Florida, once again representing Australia. Damien competed in four categories: archery, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball. The training paid off. Coached in the pool by his lovely wife, Carly, Damien amassed a haul of medals: silver in the 50 freestyle, gold in the 50 breaststroke, and gold in the four-by-50 relay.

But this wasn't about winning or losing. Damien said: 'To pull on that green and gold jersey, it makes you feel 10 feet tall to wear the flag on your arm again. You wear it on your uniform every day, so to do that and represent Australia again is a great honour.' Well, Damien, well done, mate. You are what Australia is all about. Thank you, and to all the veterans: thank you for your service.

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