Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Between 2014 and 2018 Australia will commemorate the Anzac Centenary. We will remember the sacrifice of Australians who fought to protect our rights and freedoms, and honour those who gave their tomorrow for our today. The First World War remains the most costly conflict in terms of casualties. Between 1914 and 1918 more than 60,000 Australians were lost to the war.

As we near the centenary of Anzac in April 2015, many communities are planning how we will mark the special occasion and pay our respects. In Dobell, several projects have been proposed by local RSL sub-branches and community organisations that will commemorate the involvement, service and sacrifice of Australia's servicemen and women in the First World War. I am fortunate to have a strong local committee assisting with the assessment of events and programs under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program. I would like to share with the House some of the initiatives proposed to mark this special occasion in Dobell.

The Toukley RSL sub-branch will develop and install commemorative plaques marking the occasion at local schools. The Entrance-Long Jetty RSL sub-branch will encourage students to participate in activities commemorating the Centenary of Anzac and award over 1,000 specially made medallions. The Wyong Family History Group will develop a series of pull-up banners honouring local World War I servicemen and women. I have encouraged members of the Dobell community— (Time expired)

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! It being 2 pm, in accordance with standing order 43 the time for members' statements has concluded.