Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I rise this evening to commend the students, teachers and community partners involved in the Freshwater Bay Primary School Karrakatta Cross Initiative, a remarkable local project that brings history, service and remembrance to life for young Western Australians. Since 2021, Freshwater Bay Primary School has partnered with the Claremont RSL sub-branch to ensure the sacrifices of Australian service men and women buried at Karrakatta Cemetery are not forgotten.

Last year, 79 year 5 and year 6 students took part in this deeply moving program, joined by families, dignitaries, community members and RSL representatives as part of the school's broader Remembrance Day commemoration. In the weeks leading up to their visit, students research an assigned soldier, examining enlistment records, service histories and medals through primary sources such as the National Archives, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board records. This transforms classroom learning into a meaningful act of civic remembrance, helping students understand the human stories behind our nation's history.

The program was originally developed in response to the cemetery renewal program under the Cemeteries Act 1986, during which many official grave commemorations were regrettably removed and destroyed. While the veterans' remains were undisturbed, the loss of their headstones erased visible evidence of their service. Freshwater Bay students are helping to restore that remembrance.

During the visit to Karrakatta, each student pair delivers an ode of remembrance for their chosen soldier, locates their gravesite, reflects on their life and lays a decorated wooden cross, poppy or Australian national flag in tribute. Last year, 39 soldiers buried in the renewed Anglican sections were honoured. This initiative is shaped by outstanding teachers Ben Turner and Cindy Carboni and enriched through the school's growing alliance with the Claremont and Nedlands RSL subbranches. Students have met veterans, nurses, historians and family members, adding depth, context and compassion to their studies.

The Karrakatta Cross Initiative embodies respect, reflection and gratitude. It strengthens community remembrance and ensures the next generation understands the enduring impact of service and sacrifice. Tonight I'd like acknowledge and commend all who make it possible.

I rise this evening also to place on the record remarks marking a very special birthday for Sandra Blackham, a woman whose contribution to our community deserves recognition far beyond this chamber. Many words come to mind when I think of Sandra—selfless, generous and warm—but, above all, she is someone who is constantly in the service of others.

Within the Burmese Buddhist community in Perth's northern suburbs, Sandra is often described as the mother of the community—a constant presence, a quiet organiser and a reminder that kindness and generosity, when practised consistently, have a way of multiplying. Since the military coup in Myanmar, the suffering of the Burmese people has weighed heavily on Sandra. Like so many in the diaspora, she has carried deep personal heartache and disappointment. But what distinguishes Sandra is that she has transformed that concern into action. With compassion and resolve that far exceed her petite presence, she has worked tirelessly to support those in desperate need, coordinating assistance, offering comfort and ensuring the voices of her community are heard.

Her service to the Burmese Buddhist community in Perth's northern suburbs and to those still suffering in Burma deserves much wider public recognition. In a complex and uncertain world, we are all better for Sandra's presence. To Sandra's family, I say thank you for sharing her time and energy with so many others. Happy birthday, Sandra. May you be blessed for many years to come.