Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It gives me great pleasure today to rise to congratulate the Commonwealth and the Australian War Memorial, supported by the Commonwealth Bank and Telstra, for bringing the $35 million Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience to Indi. On Friday, 4 September the Prime Minister launched this significant national touring exhibition in Wodonga. It will now visit 23 locations around Australia. I encourage all of my colleagues to see it.

The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience tells the story of Australia's involvement in World War I and the ensuing century of service of Australia's armed forces in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. On Friday I was enormously proud to be there as the member for Indi. I was accompanied by leaders from all the major schools and all the volunteers who made the day such a wonderful success. I give special thanks to the City of Wodonga for the terrific work they did in making it possible and to the Wodonga Sports & Leisure Centre for all their organisation and putting up with all the bumping in and the bumping out. Special thankyous go to Brendan Nelson from the AWM—Brendan and all his staff do fantastic work—Major General Brian Dawson (retired) for the work he did; Alison Creagh, the Executive Director of SACE; Robert Hardie, adviser from Minister Ronaldson's office; Mayor Rod Wangman from Wodonga; Patience Harrington; and all the city of Wodonga staff. I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank all of the soldiers who were guides on the day and all the volunteers who made it such an amazing experience. (Time expired)