Commemorative medallion unveiled

Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons, with Geoff Leitch, President of Northern Midlands RSL, B Martin, Stephen Baldock of the Murray Memorial committee and Anne Batalibasi, great niece of Harry Murray VC.

100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT WAR COMMEMORATIVE MEDALLION UNVEILED AT HARRY MURRAY VC STATUE, EVANDALE

Tuesday 21 January 2014

The 100th Anniversary of the Great War Commemorative Medallion was unveiled at the Harry Murray VC statue in Evandale yesterday, Monday 20 January 2014.

The medallion features Harry Murray VC, Australia’s most highly decorated soldier and Alec Campbell, Australia’s last ANZAC. “It is a fantastic initiative of the RSL and I am delighted to promote it, said Mr Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons and military history buff.

“Harry Murray VC was born and bred in Evandale, went to school in Launceston and then departed for Gallipoli via Perth WA, in 1915. He is one of the finest military heroes in our country and I hope the community gets behind this initiative. The funds go to supporting the welfare of our veterans and their families, said Mr Barnett.

“We need to do all we can to promote the service and sacrifice of our veterans. With this commemorative medallion we salute them and their families and say thank you.

“The medallion can be ordered through the local sub-branch of the RSL and is an initiative of the RSL that goes nation-wide.

“More than 60,000 Australians were lost in world war one and a further 156,000 wounded, gassed or taken prisoner, Mr Barnett said.

Mr Barnett produced the book ‘Our Heroes, Tasmania’s Victoria Cross recipients’ with the support of the Tasmanian RSL, now in its third edition.

“Off the 99 Australians awarded a VC, 13 are Tasmanians. We certainly punch above our weight,” he concluded.

The medallion was unveiled at Evandale by Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons, Geoff Leitch, President of Northern Midlands RSL, Stephen Baldock of the Murray Memorial committee and Anne Batalibasi, great niece of Harry Murray VC.
Guy Barnett, Liberal candidate for Lyons