Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

As we approach the 83rd anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, I want to remind people that it was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia during the Second World War, hitting our home of Darwin. The Japanese mounted two air attacks that day. The first attack focused on the town centre and the harbour. Many buildings and ships were destroyed. Of the 47 ships in Darwin Harbour that day, eight were sunk, one was beached and lost, and 11 were damaged. One bomb fell through the several decks of the hospital ship Manunda. On that ship was the heroic Sister Margaret de Mestre, who, unfortunately, died from her injuries sustained during that bombing. Before she passed, Sister de Mestre was absolutely adamant that others be treated before her.

In 2018 I started an award in Margaret's memory at the Manunda Terrace Primary School in my electorate. Given the special legacy of the name that the school is connected to, the award is for the student who shows courage. I was delighted to attend the school to award Yasmia Belten the Margaret de Mestre award for 2024. She was stoked to receive it, and her mum, Elyce, was super proud.

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