Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to honour the life and service of Leonard Frank Lister, a proud Australian, a devoted husband and father and one of the last of a remarkable generation who gave everything for their country and community. Born on 14 February 1924 in Burwood, New South Wales, Len grew up during the Great Depression, one of many young Australians who grew up tough, resilient and ready to serve when their nation called on them in its hour of need. He passed away a couple of weeks ago at the extraordinary age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humility, kindness and lifelong dedication to others that continues to inspire all who knew him.

Len's journey to serve his country was not easy. At age 18, Len joined the RAAF and was later discharged due to asthma. After several determined attempts to join the Australian Military Forces, Len finally succeeded in October 1942, training as an instrument mechanic before transferring to the Australian Imperial Force. At just 19, Len was drafted to Milne Bay in New Guinea, serving first with the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and later transferring to the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion. He completed rigorous jungle warfare training at Canungra before deployment to New Guinea. His war service ended suddenly during a patrol in New Guinea's mountains when a fall shattered his leg. Len recalled how the villagers, the 'fuzzy wuzzies', splinted his leg with jungle sticks and stitched a blanket from hibiscus bark to carry him to safety—an incredible act of compassion and courage that he never forgot and spoke of often, with deep gratitude. After a long recovery, Len was discharged in October 1946, as a corporal. For his service, Len received the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal.

After the war, Len settled in Mackay and later in Sarina, where he met and married a nurse named Ada. Together they raised four children and shared a lifetime of love, laughter and hard work. Len worked in the sugar industry for many years in the local sugar mill, cutting cane by hand, and later managing a cane farm with great pride and skill.

But it was his community spirit and generosity that truly defined him. Len served in many community roles over the years. He was the first president of the Sarina Ski Club, served as treasurer of the Sarina rifle club and devoted 25 years to air and sea rescue. He chalked up nearly 50 years of service to the Sarina Rotary Club, where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for his tireless dedication to the community. He was a proud and active member of the RSL for over 60 years, always turning up to support his mates and younger veterans alike. Len recently stated, 'It's a bugger being one of the last men standing.'

As long as we remember stories like his, their spirit endures—the spirit of courage, service and selflessness that built this nation and continues to guide it. Australia is better, stronger and a more caring country because of the life of Leonard Frank Lister. Lest we forget.

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