MIKE KELLY attends Sandakan Remembrance Service

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today paid tribute to prisoners of war who died under atrocious conditions in the jungles of Borneo during World War II during the infamous ‘death marches’. 

Dr Kelly gave the Remembrance Address at the Sandakan Memorial, Burwood Park in Burwood.  Twenty-three of the soldiers who died at Sandakan were from Burwood.

“The sacrifices these true ANZACs made have contributed to the security we enjoy as Australians.  They will be forever remembered for the ultimate sacrifice they made,” Dr Kelly said.

“These soldiers endured some of the most inhospitable conditions that any solider would have been through, with only six Australian soldiers who were at Sandakan surviving the war.

“The courage and commitment that these soldiers displayed is an inspiration to us all and they will not be forgotten”

Also in attendance was the Hon John Murphy MP the Federal Member for Lowe. 

Attendees also witnessed Homebush Boys High School Drum Corps, Mounting of Catafalque Party by local school Trinity Grammar and the Last Post played by Burwood Girls High School.

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr. Mike Kelly):                           02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664