Emma McBride (Dobell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Toukley RSL Sub-Branch will hold a dedication service for their restored cenotaph memorial this Friday. The original cenotaph was erected in 1971 and marks the final resting place of 484 deceased sub-branch members, whose ashes are interred in the Cenotaph memorial gardens. With the passing of time, the condition of the names on the plaques has, sadly, deteriorated. The sub-branch members got to work and significantly upgraded the memorial. The plaques have been restored and, once again, names can be read and remembered. The concrete plinths are now beautiful granite borders, and a new rosemary garden creates a fitting place for members, families and the community to remember our departed veterans.

The service this week will be marked by the planting of a lone pine, struck from a seed that originated in Gallipoli. This memorial, which pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War, is part of the sub-branch's broader Centenary of Anzac commemorations. A plaque remembering those who participated in the Vietnam conflict will also be unveiled. I congratulate Toukley RSL Sub-branch President Bob Wilson; his vice-presidents, Tom Hobbs and Keith Bailey; and sub-branch secretary, Graham Tredinnick, on their work in returning dignity to the memorial. Thank you to all members of the Toukley sub-branch and the women's auxiliary for your ongoing work supporting returned servicemen and their families. The Dobell community pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who endured the horrors of war in defence of our nation.