Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to talk about our veterans and to acknowledge their past sacrifices and current work. Recently I attended the changeover luncheon of the Legacy Club of Wollongong and South Coast at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. To mark the handover of the presidency from Philip McNamara to Les Arnould, who is from Batemans Bay, guest speaker Mrs Judy Thomson, widow of the former member for Leichhardt, Brigadier David Thomson, spoke of her experiences in Legacy. Judy spoke of the great work Legacy performs for the widows and children of servicemen whom we have lost. Legacy makes a real difference to these people's lives. I commend all those who give their time and energy to this most worthy cause. Other guests included Geoff Dove and his wife, Suzanne; John McGaskill and his legatee wife, Jenny; and Brian Wheeler and his wife, Trish.

I also recently attended the Eurobodalla Vietnam Veterans Day service, also known as Long Tan Day, which was held on 18 August—again at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club. Brigadier General John Sheldrick provided an illuminating speech. He asked us to ponder the question: 'Why are we here today?' As he said, it was to support those who suffer still and to remember those who did not return. Each of us has a reason to remember those who served in Vietnam. Lest we forget.