As we approach Remembrance Day 2026, I would like to reflect on the significance of this day and what it means to our region and our nation.
Right across Northern Victoria at 11am next Wednesday, people will gather at local cenotaphs to honour those who gave so much. Remembrance Day is not merely a date in our calendar; it is a symbol of gratitude, respect and unity.
It is in this spirit that the recipient of the inaugural Speechley Brothers Kokoda scholarship, Max Liddy, will speak at the Bendigo service.
Max is a Year 11 student who trekked the Kokoda Trail earlier this year, honouring George and Leslie Speechley who were both killed in action during the Kokoda campaign in 1942.
The Speechley Brothers Kokoda Scholarship, supported by the Speechley family and Bendigo District RSL, gives local young people the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trail and learn firsthand about the extraordinary sacrifices made during the war.
I’m also very proud that The Nationals in government will commit $180,000 towards the Bendigo Military Musuem’s ‘Expanding the Story’ project.
This project will help preserve and share the stories of local veterans who served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and peacekeeping operations.
Bendigo has a proud military history and this project will help ensure the stories of those who served Australia in more recent conflicts are preserved and shared with the wider community.
Now more than ever, it is vital that we remember the lessons of history and the price paid for the liberties we enjoy. The courage and resilience shown by our servicemen and women must not be forgotten.
I encourage everyone to attend a service where possible next Wednesday.
Gaelle Broad MP
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
