Member for Barker Tony Pasin presented four special medallions to commemorate the service of Mr Fred Ellis, Ms Lorna Bowman, Ms Lena Huntington and Ms Paulene Hales during the Second World War.

Mr Pasin presented the commemorative medallions to the veterans at their home at Boneham Aged Care in Millicent on behalf of the Federal Government on Tuesday 29 September.

Both Mr Ellis and Ms Hales served in the Royal Australian Navy during the war, while Ms Bowman and Ms Huntington were members of the Royal Australian Army.

“Barker has a rich Second World War history and is proud to be the home to veterans from this remarkable generation of Australians like Fred, Lorna, Lena and Paulene who served our nation during the Second World War,” Mr Pasin said.

“For these surviving World War Two veterans living in Barker, the 75th Anniversary is an opportunity, on behalf of the Nation, to say ‘thank you for your service’, possibly for the last time.”

Mr Pasin said that while more than one million Australian men and women fought during the Second World War campaigns, incredibly, around 12,000 veterans who served during the Second World War are still with us today.

“Australia can never fully repay the debt we owe these amazing men and women but, to mark their service, the Federal Government is producing this Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration for the remaining living Second World War veterans.”

“I encourage all veterans, or their family members of living veterans on their behalf, to apply to receive a medallion and certificate as a special thank you from a grateful nation for all they have done.”

For more information on how to apply contact Tony Pasin at Tony.Pasin.MP@aph.gov.au or 08 8724 7730.