Saturday, 16 August 2025
Government House
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC

Thank you. Premier, Leader of the Opposition, distinguished guests all,

I also acknowledge the Gadigal, Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. 

Dennis and I warmly welcome you to Government House this afternoon. As I look around, I can see familiar faces, having had the privilege to meet many of you at our previous receptions here and others at commemorative services around our State.

In the long tradition of the Premier hosting this event at Government House, this Reception has taken on legendary status. Indeed, in the importance that this House attaches to it, with two previous Governors having served - Sir David Martin in Korea and Sir Peter Sinclair in Korea and Vietnam - in more ways than one, it is an extended family reunion – in this case the defence ‘family’ with its deep and enduring ties.

In the pre-dawn hours of 25 June 1950, the Korean People’s Army launched a massive offensive across the 38th Parallel into South Korea. On 28 June, Prime Minister Robert Menzies committed Australia’s RAN assets to the Korean War, followed several days later by No. 77 Squadron. A month later, on 26 July, 3 Royal Australian Regiment was committed to ground operations in Korea. We were the second nation to commit to the Korean War after the US.

This year, on 25 June, the 75^th Anniversary of the outbreak of that War, our nation reflected on the service of our defence personnel in that war, at the Commemorative Service held at the Australian National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. On 27 July, we remembered the 72^nd anniversary of the Armistice which helped to ensure freedom for the South Korean people, at the Korean War Memorial, to mark Korean Veterans Day.

Sixteen years later, on 18 August 1966, as 17-year-old “Little Pattie”, and the late Col Joye, performed Stompin’ at Maroubra and Bye Bye Baby, at Nui Dat Vietnam, artillery fire erupted over the Long Tan rubber plantation four kilometres away. Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the Battle of Long Tan, which has joined the major campaigns of Gallipoli, Kokoda and Kapyong, in the annals of ANZAC history and legacy.

This coming Monday, we will gather at The Cenotaph and at other memorials around the country, to mark this Day and also to mark 50 years since the fall of Saigon, and the commencement of Australia’s humanitarian airlifts.

I also acknowledge His Majesty’s most recent conferral of the Victoria Cross, awarded posthumously, to the family of Private Richard Nordens. Private Richard Nordens rescued a wounded soldier and recovered the body of another, with little cover and under intense enemy fire, on 14 May 1968, during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral.

In acknowledging your service, we acknowledge that our community owes you a debt of gratitude for responding to our nation’s call for service, for your bravery, commitment and selflessness in action, for your camaraderie and care of each other, including in the organisations you formed to support each other following your return from service.  

Amid these memories and commemorations, as you reminisce today on your service years, and the years since, please know that your stories have a community-wide significance. 

I reiterate what I have said previously, the debt we owe you includes what you taught us as a nation about recognition and empathy. We gave you neither on your return from service and you have shown us the importance of both. May we never forget that lesson.

Dennis and I thank you for your service, as we thank your families and loved ones who have supported you. Today this House is your House, please enjoy this afternoon.