Cameron Caldwell (Fadden, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I want to reflect on Remembrance Day and what it means to our local community. The date of 11 November holds a very special place in the heart of all Australians. At 11 am on 11 November each year we come together and have a moment of silence to remember the lives lost and to commemorate those who've served and protected our nation and its values. Having been connected directly to serving personnel—my grandfather fought in World War II and my great-uncle died at Lone Pine in Gallipoli in World War I—I probably feel the sense of contribution of our service men and women more deeply. But on 11 November we recognise the moment in time where peace descended upon the world and we recognise and remember the role Australians played in achieving that peace.

In the electorate that I represent we are very well served by RSL subbranches that not only look after our local veterans but also take a lead role in commemorations for both Remembrance Day and Anzac Day. I want to thank those organisations and the many volunteers for the work they do in providing that opportunity in April and November each year for the community to gather. On Remembrance Day this year we will have services at the Runaway Bay cenotaph, which will be conducted by the Runaway Bay RSL subbranch, and also a service over at the North Gold Coast RSL subbranch, which will be at Helensvale, just behind the bowls club.

Additionally, I'm very pleased to see that the Rotary Club of Hope Island will be continuing their commemoration services at Sanctuary Cove. We will have a community service at Woongoolba, which will be at the bowls club, led by members of the community, and what has become an iconic service at Woongoolba State School. But there will also be services across our community at many schools, and I urge everyone on that day to take a moment to remember.

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