Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the volunteers of the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association, led by Jenny Elliott, who are preserving Maryborough's wartime history. Founded in 2016, the association showcases Maryborough Airport's history as an RAAF air station and highlights the important role of the service men and women who were based there during World War II. Between 1941 and 1944, thousands of wireless air gunners, navigators and members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force were stationed in Maryborough for training before their deployment. Destined to become crew members for Bomber Command, the air gunners were trained to send and receive Morse code messages and operate machine guns in a wide variety of aircraft. The RAAF station at Maryborough Airport closed after the war, but, through the efforts of the Maryborough Military Aviation Museum Association, this vital part of the heritage city's history is being preserved, and I'm always keen to support them. This Saturday, the museum is holding a special commemorative service to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and to reflect on Maryborough's contribution to Australia's national security during the war. I wish them all the very best for their event.

On Tuesday, at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember the two million men and women who have served in the defence of our nation, particularly the 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1914, giving their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. On Remembrance Day, we honour those who have served, as it is through their bravery and courage that Australia is safe and secure. For many veterans and their families, Remembrance Day can be a difficult time, and I acknowledge the work of ex-service organisations that support and advocate on behalf of veterans and their families. This Remembrance Day marks the 107th anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War, during which more than 300,000 Australians served overseas and more than 60,000 people lost their lives. This year is also the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 75th anniversary of Australia's service in Korea and Malaya. We honour the brave service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force personnel. Lest we forget.

The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum is a remarkable place that preserves the legacy and stories of service personnel who have served our country since the Boer War. The museum has arguably the richest collection of wartime memorabilia outside the national War Memorial and attracts local, national and international visitors, who come to see the magnificent displays of medals, uniforms, models, artwork, letters and mementos that paint a picture of the service and sacrifice of those who have fought to give us our freedom and security. The museum was established by the late John Wallace Meyers and his wife, Else, who purchased the historic Wharf Street building in 2004 and used their private military collection as a basis for the museum. John sadly passed away in 2022, but more than 100 volunteers work to continue his legacy, using their time and skills to educate visitors about Maryborough's colonial and military history. I worked with the museum to secure a $700,000 grant from the former coalition government to help the museum grow, to make their vast collection of memorabilia and national heritage items accessible to more people and to continue to showcase Maryborough's rich military history.