House debates

Monday, 22 May 2023

Statements by Members

Casey Electorate: RSL Anzac Day Services

4:41 pm

Photo of Aaron VioliAaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Almost one month ago across the country and across Casey we gathered to commemorate Anzac Day. I want to take a moment to, firstly, acknowledge the Monbulk RSL, who are struggling at the moment after recently losing their president, Bill Ford. I had the opportunity to attend Bill's service on Friday. It was an amazing turnout of the Monbulk community. Craig and John from the RSL spoke so well about what Bill meant to their community. His sons did him a fitting tribute. Bill and his wife, Sue, were married at that RSL, and it was really a fitting tribute to him on Friday. It was an honour to be able to be there to pay my respects to Bill. So I want to thank the Monbulk RSL. I was fortunate to be there on Anzac Day, when Bill delivered that whole service with no notes, off the top of his head. It was a great tribute. I also want to thank the Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Wandin, Dandenong Ranges and Mooroolbark communities for their commemorations that I was able to attend on the day. It was wonderful to see so many people out remembering such an important day in our calendar. And I want to thank the Healesville, Kalorama, Montrose, Millgrove, Seville, Upper Yarra, Upwey/Belgrave, Warburton and Yarra Glen communities, who all held events on the day as well—an amazing commemoration of such an important day in our calendar, not just in my community of Casey but across the country.