Published on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 1:26:25 PM

As a veteran Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President Rob Coales was honoured to give the address at this year’s Remembrance Day service in Byford.

He paid tribute to those who have served their country, acknowledging the sacrifices of former and current service people, and those of their families.

Among the local service people President Coales met with was Warrant Officer Class 2 (retired) Kirsten Funston, who served for 30 years in the Australian Army.

Ms Funston said that Remembrance Day was a time for her to reflect on her service, and those she served with – particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice and didn’t’ come home.

An ancestor of Ms Funston, Corporal (CPL) Lawrence Weathers VC, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions in France in the First World War. He was killed in action just four weeks later.

President Coales, who served in the Australian Army Reserve for 10 years from 1997, said that 11 November was a day for reflection and to recognise the sacrifices of Ms Funston and CPL Weathers VC.

“Today as a community we hold close to us the Australian Defence Force values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence”, President Coales said.

“We pause to remember those veterans and current serving members who have made our country what it is today. Today and every day, we will remember them.”

Photo: Cr Shaye Mack, Colleen Rankin, Roger Drysdale, Hugh Jones MLA, Kirsten Funston, SJ President Rob Coales, Mark Keynes RSL Secretary.

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