Victory in the Pacific 80th Anniversary Commemoration, Townsville

ANZAC MEMORIAL PARK, TOWNSVILLE

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

I also acknowledge all those who have served or continue to serve our nation in uniform and the families who support them, Your Excellency, Governor of Queensland and other distinguishes guests.
But today in particular I wish to pay special acknowledgement to the Second World War Veterans we are privileged to have in attendance with us here in Townsville.

We pay tribute to you, as part of our greatest generation, who served our country during that tumultuous time.

From a nation of around 7 million, almost 1 million of those served in our armed forces and merchant navy in the Second World War, signing up in towns and cities across the nation.

Some 40,000 did not return home.

There were many as well who served on the home front, playing a vital role keeping essential services ticking over and supporting those on the front line.

They all acted with honour and distinction, laying the foundation for modern Australia.

People like Townsville’s own Leslie “Doc” Sinclair who celebrated his 100th birthday in March and is here today.

Doc served in the 2/33rd [second thirty third] Australian Infantry Battalion and fought at Balikpapan in Borneo in 1945.

The fighting around Balikpapan was tough and costly, 96 men were either killed or wounded in Doc’s battalion. By late July of that year Balikpapan was secured.

Doc has spoken of the sacrifices of his mates - “the thing that stuck with you most was when you were in action.”

He speaks of losing mates, a number on the same day.

But just as clearly, he recalls his joy when he found out the war was over - “I remember they were all coming up and yelling out the war’s over, the war’s over!”

During the war Townsville played a significant role in the defence of Australia, just as it continues to today.

The town [city] served as a key allied base to support the war in New Guinea and other islands, including Bougainville.

When the Australian mainland came under attack for the first time in our nation’s history, Townsville was one of the targets - but the people of Townsville stood strong.

I thank everyone who has contributed to bringing these commemorations to fruition - including the Townsville City Council and the Queensland Government.

The Albanese Government, through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is pleased to play a role in this through our Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

It’s through commemorating significant events in our history in local events like this, and the sharing of stories - like that of Doc and his mates - that we can ensure the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans, and the actions of local heroes live on for the next generation.

Lest we forget.

ENDS 

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608