Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about two soldiers, a sister, a mother and father, and a surgeon. On Saturday the Sergeant Matthew Locke MG Charity Shield match was played in Matt's home town of Bellingen, New South Wales. Matt was a distinguished SAS veteran of Timor-Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded the Medal for Gallantry and was killed in action, while serving our nation. This event in his memory is run by his sister Debbie, who is an absolute legend, and, through her leadership, the charity has delivered five kindergartens in Timor-Leste and provided vital support for veterans.

On Sunday, the second Jack Fitzgibbon Cup was played between the parliamentary rugby team, the Wombats, and a 2nd Commando Regiment team. I acknowledge the extraordinary grace of Jack's mum, Dianne, and his dad, our mate Joel Fitzgibbon, who attended this match honouring their son, who died during training. Funds raised support the Commando Welfare Trust.

Finally, happy birthday to NT surgeon Paddy Bade. Paddy has saved many Territorians, but in 2008 he operated on President Jose Ramos-Horta after an attempted assassination, and in 2023 he saved the life of US Marine Corporal Travis Reyes following injuries sustained in an Osprey crash.

To you all: my admiration and thanks for the service that you and your loved ones have provided to our grateful nation.