Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to speak about an institution that is woven into the fabric of the Hunter and the Upper Hunter: the Lone Pine Barracks, home to the Australian Army in Singleton. For many Australians, Singleton is a name and a highway sign between Newcastle and the Upper Hunter. For those of us who live there, it's a proud military town. At the heart of it sits Lone Pine Barracks, one of the most important army training bases in the country. For decades, generations of soldiers have marched through those gates to begin their careers in service of our wonderful nation. It is the home of the School of Infantry and plays a critical role in training the men and women who go on to serve Australia both here and overseas.

Lone Pine Barracks is more than a training ground. It's more than a workplace. It's part of our community. Every year, thousands of recruits, instructors and Defence personnel live, train and contribute to life in Singleton. They rent homes. They buy groceries. They join local sporting clubs. Their kids attend our schools and their families volunteer in our community groups. These are not separate from Singleton. They are Singleton.

The economic contribution of the Singleton Army base to the Hunter region is significant. Defence investment supports local jobs directly on base and indirectly across our beautiful region. Local contractors provide maintenance, construction, catering, logistics and specialist services. Small businesses supply everything from equipment to uniforms to fresh produce. The ripple effect is real. When Defence invests in infrastructure upgrades at Lone Pine Barracks, that work flows to Hunter tradies and to Hunter businesses. When soldiers and their families settle in the area, it supports our real estate market, our rental sector, our retail sector and our hospitality venues.

In a regional economy like ours, built on mining, agriculture, viticulture, thoroughbreds, manufacturing and tourism, Defence provides stability. It provides steady employment and long-term investment. That matters. It matters for young people in the Hunter who are considering a career in the ADF. It matters for families who rely on the certainty of Defence employment. It matters for Singleton businesses who know that the presence of the Army base underpins economic activity in our town.

Beyond the dollars and cents, Lone Pine Barracks represents something even more important: service to this beautiful country. The soldiers who train at Singleton go on to serve in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations and combat deployments. They respond to natural disasters, support flood and bushfire recovery efforts, and stand ready whenever Australia calls. We saw that firsthand during the recent disasters, when Defence personnel stepped up to help communities right across New South Wales. Many of those soldiers trained in Singleton, and the Hunter is extremely proud of that. We are proud that our region plays a direct role in preparing the men and women who defend our nation. We are proud that Singleton is synonymous with professionalism, discipline and excellence in infantry training.

And, yes, we're also proud of the slightly less well known but much appreciated feature of the Lone Pine Barracks: it's remarkable wine cellar. Only in the Hunter could you have one of the country's most important training bases sitting in the middle of one of Australia's premier wine regions. The officer's mess wine cellar at Singleton showcases the very best of the Hunter Valley wines and reflects the region's long and proud winemaking history. It's a reminder that the Army base is not isolated from its surroundings. It is connected to the culture, the industry and the identity of the Hunter. When visiting Defence personnel and dignitaries experience that cellar, they experience the Hunter. They taste our region. They take a piece of it with them. It's a small but symbolic example of how Defence and community are intertwined.

Looking ahead, it is vital that we continue to support investment in the Lone Pine Barracks and ensure it remains a premier training facility for decades to come. That means modern infrastructure, quality accommodation for personnel and their families, and strong partnerships with local councils, businesses and community organisations. It also means recognising the value of defence to regional Australia. The Singleton Army base strengthens the Hunter economy, it strengthens our community and it strengthens Australia.

To the soldiers, instructors, civilian staff and families connected to Lone Pine Barracks: thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for the service you give to this beautiful country, thank you for your commitment and thank you for choosing to call the Hunter home even though it may only be a small part of your career there.

To you, Speaker, and to everybody in this building: thank you to you all. Have a happy Easter. To all Australians and everyone in the Hunter: have a happy Easter.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For one minute, I give the call to the honourable member for Fisher.