Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of my most enduring memories of Anzac Day is at Macmasters Beach, one of the most beautiful locations in my electorate on the Central Coast. Every year on Anzac Day at 5pm, the Macmasters Beach Surf Lifesaving Club hold a wreath-laying ceremony. Wreaths are placed next to surfboards, framed by the Australian flag and by our coastline, as we take time to pause and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It is due to the volunteers at the surf lifesaving club that this yearly memorial service happens and brings our community together. It now attracts over 250 people.

With the Anzac Centenary fast approaching, it gives me pleasure to advise that a grant of $4,400 has been approved as part of the government's Centenary of Anzac commemorative grants program. Thanks to this grant, Macmasters Beach surf club can now replace four sections of the iron-bar balustrade with a feature of tempered glass. Appropriately, the two middle panels will be etched with commemorative ANZAC images. It is a unique and appropriate location that is a poignant reminder of the beachside landing at Gallipoli, and it will also be a constant reminder of the connection with the surf lifesaving volunteers movement, many of whom served in the various wars Australia fought, including in World War I. I thank the club president, Alan Blackman, and committee members Warren Watkins, Peter Brown and Ben Van Den Hooven for all of their work. I also recognise and commend the Robertson Electorate Anzac Day Grants Committee. Together in Robertson, we will ensure that the legacy of those who served will not be forgotten.