Celia Hammond (Curtin, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Fifteen August 2020 marked 75 years since the end of World War II. For those men and women who served in the Second World War, their service to our nation did not end there. It didn't end with the hanging up of their uniform. Their service and their dedication to our nation continues to this day. We see it in the actions of the veterans still living, who continue to contribute to our communities, and it lives on in the stories of family members that served, those stories which filter through generations and still have the power to shape and inspire us.

Mr Geoff McClements, a constituent of Curtin, is one such veteran, who at the age of 97 is still brimming with a passion for service and love for Australia. In 1941, at the age of just 18, he enlisted in the Navy and served until 1946. Geoff has been an active member of the Curtin community. He was a well-known player for the Claremont footy club and has for 50 years been a passionate volunteer at his local RSL. I am reliably informed that, on an average Remembrance Day, Geoff can sell in excess of a thousand poppies by mid-morning. Geoff was also made RSL ANZAC of the Year in 2016 and is a freeman of the town of Claremont. Geoff, 90 seconds will never do you justice; thank you for your service.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded. Before we go to questions, just for the information of honourable members, in order to record the historic nature of our sittings at the moment, you'll notice photographers at each of the three ceremonial entrances capturing some of the images. Our well-known government photographer is there at the moment and will be joined by some others as we begin question time, and they'll be there through the week to get different angles on some of the shots.