Veterans' Voice
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
PozieresAboriginal and BayonetTorres Strait Islander on War Together they were able to source much Memorial, Torrens Parade Ground of the required funding. Lady Neal was view at Parliament instrumental in the Appeal Committee The fundraising for the Aboriginal and meeting with the Prime Minister and a grant TorresResearch Strait Islander Library War Memorial On 7 December 2015, the people of of over $100,000 followed. Veterans’ Voice announced in the last issue of Veterans’ VoiceSouth has Australia commenced were presentedand concluded. with a All necessary approvals have been SouthWorld AustraliansWar l relic havebayonet, taken unearthed this unique received. The project has been from the fields of Pozieres. project to their heart and the required funds commissioned and work on the sculptures haveThe bayonet been raised. is a gift from the people of the that will adorn the memorial is underway. Village of Pozieres in France as a symbol ofThe the Memorial Pozieres Committee community’s wishes admiration to extend for Recently the artists visited Black Hill Quarry A Message from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Australiansits thanks to who Sir Ericgave Neal their AC lives CVO, for theirformer near Mannum and selected the granite A Message from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs State Governor and Chair of the Veterans’ boulders that will form the centrepiece of Welcome to the We can never allow this unique opportunity Characteristics like Compassion, Mateship, freedom and to raise awareness of this projects, construction of the Aboriginal and community into State Cabinet. The Hon Advisorysignificant Council battle. and Lady Neal who were the memorial. Spring Edition of the to devolve into a jingoistic, ego driven Courage, Initiative, Loyalty, Integrity and Veterans’ Voice. celebration.Torres Strait Islander War Memorial, issues Trust.Leesa Vlahos MP has been appointed instrumental in the appeal target being The bayonet was presented by Mr It is hoped that the memorial will be concerning veterans’ health care and the Minister for Disabilities, Mental Health reached so quickly. Sir Eric led an active It might surprise you I think we need to stand back and reflect. There are many more, but these are but Barry Gracey, President of the Pozieres unveiled in the latter half of 2012 by wellbeing of currently serving and former campaign during which he sought and to know that in less someand Substance that we ascribe Abuse. to The our Hon soldiers Peter and Remembrance Association. The Her Excellency the Governor-General, Models pose for the sculptor while standing ToAustralian me “Commemoration” Defence Force personnel.is the right Associationobtained the has support been ofsupporting a large number the Village Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, presenting the Pozieres than three years the theirMalinauskas ancestors MLC right has back been to appointedANZAC and as Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO. on the black granite boulder that will form the theme – a time of commemoration and not Bayonet to Dr John Weste, Director Parliament Research Library Centenary of ANZAC Sir Eric intends passing the reigns to a new before. of businessPozieres sinceand community 2006 by raising leaders. funds to centrepiece of the Memorial celebration. Minister for Police, Correctional Services, will be upon us. ensure commemorations for Australians encouraged to join the regular tours held state of Australia in the lead up to the Chair after the completion of our state’s IfEmergency we combine Services respectful and CommemorationRoad Safety. I From that we might take time to consider who died at Pozieres continue each year. twice daily (10.00am and 2.00pm) on centenary of Pozieres commemorations In 2014 we will flagship Anzac Centenary project, the lookwith theseforward characteristics to working closely and imbue with both their the good things that came from our The certificate accompanying the bayonet Parliament’s non-sitting days. These visits taking place in the village on 23 July this commemorate the Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk. importance into our current generation, Japanese POW Friendship Program It includes meetings with relevant Remembrance Day CD experiences during times of conflict. Ministers on matters concerning veterans’ reads: are free to all who attend. Members of year. centenary of the commencement of World I think we will have upheld our ANZAC Government leaders and officials. It will not be possible to replace Sir Eric mental health and incarceration. I would Minister Snelling was delighted to learn Parliament, and their staff, can also take Remembrance Day is the day that War I. War is not generally known for the good Legacy in a way that would make the original “ Your young may rest in our fields, but Five Australians were awarded the Victoria with an equally pre-eminent individual, also like to congratulate Mr Dan Tehan community groups, school tours and other things it delivers, but throughout our military ANZACs proud. thatthey Veterans’ are always Advisory in our Council Hearts, member, Thoughts, Mr Schmitt was a member of the 2/3rd Crosscommemorates for their gallantry the end at of Pozieres. World War Two I, asare MinisterWhat will Hamilton-Smith follow will be four with years during but we will do our best to seek out the groups on a guided tour of the Parliament history some wonderful characteristics have MP on being appointed Commonwealth Billand Schmitt Prayers.” AM, will be travelling to Japan Machine Gun Battalion in the 2nd Australian linkedmajor hostilitiesto South Australia;in Europe Privateand the John Middle Leak Honwhich Sir we Eric will Neal reflect AC CVOupon a “Century of best available person to help us continue and this can incorporate a visit to the been developed and hardened on the hot Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. in October, 2012 as part of the Japanese Imperial Force. He enlisted in 1940 aged andEast Lieutenantwere formally Arthur ended Seaforth at the Blackburn. 11th hour Service” rendered by our servicemen and our work, with a particular emphasis on The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Parliamentary Library by arrangement. At this time one hundred years ago forge of conflict – many have been inherited POW Friendship Program. 22. He served in the Middle East in the Theyof the were 11th awardedday of the Australia’s 11th month highest of 1918. women. younger veterans, to ensure the concerns To everyone who supports our servicemen Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, accepted sombre preparations were nearing from our first soldiers and their resilient DisplayingSyrian Campaign the bayonet of 1941 at Parliamentprior to being House militaryIt is the honourday we forremember their valour all Australian on 23 July, of all veterans and their families are Thethe memorialprogram aimsgift on to behalf promote of all mutual South As we approach the pinnacle of that period generation. and women, whether through an ex-service completion for the first anniversary of Hon Jack Snelling MP Australians, formally presenting it to Dr capturedpositions byit within the Japanese the state’s in mostMarch, central 1942, servicemen1916; the first and daywomen of the who Pozieres were killed,Ridge or – the Centenary of the ANZAC landings at addressed. understanding between the peoples of the Gallipoli landings. On 25 April 1916 Ministerorganisation for Veterans’ or individually, Affairs I thank you on John Weste, Director of South Australia’s inheritage, Java. Mrarts Schmitt and education spent the precinct next three at whocampaign. died subsequently, as a consequence Gallipoli, we would do well to consider what Japan and Australia by fostering a spirit of Anzac Day was commemorated at In May our thoughts and prayers will be behalf of the South Australian community Parliamentary Research Library for andNorth a Terrace,half years renowned as a prisoner for attracting of war in Java of war. this event means to us. reconciliation and encouraging the growth Descendants of servicemen who fought Victoria Square. The Governor, Premier with the soldiers and families of the 7th and look forward to meeting as many of incorporation into its collection for public andregional in Changi, and interstate Singapore. visitors in addition to at Pozieres are invited to contact the of friendship between the two nations. Veterans SA has been examining Itand is arguablyLeader of the the defining Opposition event addressed of our Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment when, you as possible. safekeeping and view. local Adelaide based visitors. Pozieres Remembrance Association for In 1994 Mr Schmitt was made a Member ways to increase public awareness of nation’sthose assembled, history and including there is no a numberdoubt as expected, they deploy to Iraq. We have TheThese program objects is are scheduled all displayed to take for placepublic The Pozieres bayonet is one of six, century more information: of the Order of Australia: “For service to Remembrance Day in South Australia. Part thatof soldiers it will have who a had huge served impact at on Gallipoli. us all – a solemn collective responsibility to care for fromviewing 1-8 with October, members 2012. of the public old, bayonets being presented to each www.pozieresremembered.com.au veterans, particularly through the Prisoners of this campaign has been the production Governor,especially theSir young.Henry Galway, made the the families and soldiers when they return Lest we forget. following statement: A total of ten people, including 5 former of War Association”. of a recording