Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Late last year it was my pleasure to present a number of certificates of appreciation to local veterans in my electorate. Certificates of appreciation, as members would know, are provided through the Australian government's commemorative program Saluting Their Service and are an expression of gratitude towards the local veteran community for their service and sacrifice during times of both war and peace.

I was joined at the certificate ceremony by the President of RSL Tasmania, Robert Dick. We presented certificates to four veterans in our community: Dean Vervaart, who served in Afghanistan, the Iraq War and peace operations; Arthur Collidge, who served in the Second World War; James Graham, who served in the Indonesian Confrontation; and Donald Buchanan, who served in the Second World War and the Malayan Emergency.

I was honoured to present these courageous men in my electorate with their certificate of appreciation. It recognises their service to our nation during war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since the Second World War. The certificate of appreciation presentation is an important reminder of the sacrifice that veterans in our communities make to keep us all safe. And, as we approach the Centenary of Anzac, it is also important that we continue to recognise the contribution of our local veteran community, whether it be through overseas service or on the home front. I once again thank these brave men and other brave men and women for their service to Australia and for being able to attend this presentation.