Before I speak on the same issue as the member for Tweed, I acknowledge him and his heartfelt tribute to those who have been involved in organising and participating in Anzac Day services and to those who have served. I speak today with a heart full of gratitude and deep respect for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. On 25 April, Anzac Day, we all gather in our communities to remember and honour those who made sacrifices for the freedoms that we cherish in this beautiful country. Whilst not celebrating war, it is absolutely crucial that we pay tribute to the courage, the camaraderie and the commitment of others who went before us so that we are able to live in peace and security. I listened to the contribution of the member for Tweed with great interest, because I also want to acknowledge those who have pulled together the services and the community that came together on this day. I thank all of those who served and who continue to serve. Their dedication and bravery ensure that we can live in a free and prosperous country, and we are forever in their debt.

I take this opportunity to thank the Blue Mountains RSL sub‑branches of Blackheath/Mt Victoria, Katoomba, Springwood and Blaxland/Glenbrook, and the Lawson Combined Services Club. Their tireless work ensures that Anzac Day services and marches continue to be a really important part of our community's life. I also thank the Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Wentworth Falls, the Blue Mountains Peace Collective, the Woodford Rural Fire Brigade—especially local Ian Robinson, who runs the sunset service every year—for their efforts in keeping the Anzac spirit alive in the Blue Mountains area. I also acknowledge the very last service run by the Blue Mountains Ex-Servicewomen's Association, the sunset service in Springwood, which was led by my friend Faye Wheatley, a very good woman. I give my heartfelt thanks to all community groups who worked hard to ensure that everyone in the mountains could attend services and marches to remember the men and women who served our country.

I am particularly grateful to those who represented me at services that I could not attend in person, because there are quite a number of them. I thank Mayor Mark Greenhill, Deputy Mayor Suzie van Opdorp, Councillor Dr Margaret Buckham, Councillor Darren Rodrigo, my dear friends Susan Elford and Annette Bennett, and Bruce and Michelle McKenzie for their presence and participation in laying wreaths on my behalf. I acknowledge the many students and schools across the Blue Mountains that took part in Anzac Day marches. Everyone comments on how incredible it is that the number of people attending these marches and services is growing every year. To see little people part of that and learning about our history is heartening. Our next generation is honouring the sacrifices of our forebears and ensuring that the Anzac spirit lives on. Seeing two of my former kindergarten students Kai and Harry of Springwood High School, who are now school leaders, lead the Springwood 11.00 a.m. service almost reduced me to tears. Young Taylah of St Columba's Catholic College, who was a work experience student, read the prayer.

Once again, I had the pleasure of participating in the celebrations of people coming together and honouring service men and women, including the tradition of playing two‑up at the Lawson hotel. Whilst the game was lighthearted—I am absolutely terrible at two-up—it was a reminder of the strength of our community, united by respect, gratitude and cohesion. I take a moment to acknowledge the Blue Mountains Pipe Band, who moved through the hotel to keep everyone entertained and bring a tear to the eye. Anzac Day is a solemn occasion, a time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have given so much. Their legacy lives on not just in those ceremonies that we mark on Anzac Day but in the way we live our lives and appreciate the freedoms they fought to protect. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.