Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, joined the Inverell RSL Sub-Branch to present veterans and their families with commemorative medallions on behalf of the Australian Government to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

The medallion, available to all living Second World War veterans who apply, is presented in a display case and is a gesture of appreciation from a grateful nation to those veterans who fought to protect our way of life in the terrible conflict that ended 75 years ago.

Local recipients included Private John Bourke who enlisted in the Army at Inverell on August 20, 1942 and served for more than three years before discharging with the 5 Machine Gun Battalion.

“I thank Mr Bourke for his service to this country and in defence of the freedoms we’re all lucky to share in Australia today,” Mr Joyce said.

“We are forever grateful for your contribution to the war effort which has allowed generations of Australians to go about their daily lives amid relative peace and safety.”

Also presented with medallions in Inverell were Aircraftwomen Quita Eileen Duhon (Turner) and Roma Lorraine Fenwick (Buckley) as well as Corporal Jean Davison (Clark). As these recipients were unable to attend the presentation, family members accepted the award on their behalf.

More than one million Australian men and women fought to protect our country and our allies during the Second World War, fighting in theatres of war from Europe to North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, to Asia and the Pacific, with the conflict also reaching Australian shores.

Second World War veterans, or families of living veterans on their behalf, can contact Mr Joyce’s electorate office on 6761 3080 to apply for a medallion, or apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion

(ENDS)