ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day holds a place in our hearts like no other. It is a day when we pause our daily activity to remember the 103,136 Australians who have lost their lives in military service to our nation, and to take the time to reflect on the devastating cost of war.

In the conservative tradition, we understand that we are not self-made but are the beneficiaries of sacrifices made by those who came before us and are, in turn, responsible for our actions now that will affect the generations to come.

Our freedoms, institutions, and way of life were purchased at great cost, and ANZAC Day reminds us that gratitude is not an abstract sentiment but a duty we owe to the past and to the future.

In every war and conflict, acts of valour emerge out of the darkest circumstances. And among them are rare moments of self sacrifice that give enduring meaning to the ANZAC spirit.

One such moment came on 1 December 1942, when 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman Edward “Teddy” Sheean, was serving aboard HMAS Armidale in the Timor Sea. After his ship was struck twice by Japanese torpedoes and he was seriously wounded, rather than abandon ship, Teddy returned to his gun, strapped himself in, and continued to fire at the Japanese fighter planes attacking his shipmates in the water as the ship sank. Teddy chose first to defend his mates, even at the cost of his own life.

Seventy eight years later, Teddy Sheean was awarded the Victoria Cross for his act of most conspicuous gallantry in the face of enemy fire. The first, and only, such honour awarded to a member of the Royal Australian Navy. His courage stands as a permanent inheritance, reminding us of who we are and who we can be when faced with that ultimate choice.

Today we honour Teddy Sheean, and all those who served and continue to serve, with humility and gratitude – as a nation grateful of their sacrifice and service.

ANZAC Day Services

This ANZAC Day, I will be joining members of our community for the Bedfordale Dawn Service at the Churchman Brook Community Centre, followed by the Bakers Hill Service, where I will give the ANZAC Day address in honour those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

I hope you can take time on ANZAC Day to join in the commemorations to reflect and remember all that those who have gone before us in defence of our freedom and service to the nation.

How will you be marking ANZAC Day this year?

And finally, if you are travelling over the long weekend, please take care on the roads and look out for one another.

Yours sincerely,

Phil