with Julian Leeser MP

The original ANZACs forged the Anzac spirit of service and mateship in World War One on the shores of Gallipoli .

Since that time , hundreds of thousands of Australians have served our country across dozens of conflicts and peacekeeping missions .

On Anzac Day we reflect on the service of veterans , many of whom made

the supreme sacrifice far too young . We also honour the more than 80,000 Australians who are currently serving our country in the Australian Defence Force , either full-time or as reservists .

This Anzac Day marks the first since we lost two remarkable young men who grew up in our area – Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent and Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock , who died tragically during a training exercise in July last year ,

alongside two of their fellow servicemen .

Those young men died serving our country . They did so as men who were duty-driven , noble-minded , and brave . They will be remembered not just for their sacrifice , but for who they were – bright , warm , talented , family-minded young men .

When I pause for a moment of silence on Anzac Day , I will be keeping Lt Maxwell Nugent and WO2 Joseph

Laycock , and their families in my thoughts . I hope that you will do the same .

I strongly encourage you and your family to attend one of the Anzac Day services which will be held across our community on 25 April . It is an important opportunity to pay tribute to current serving members , veterans , those who have since passed away , and their families . Lest we forget .

with Mark Hodges MP

The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman in their electorate . I am very pleased to announce the Local Woman of the Year for the Castle Hill Electorate for 2024 .

Melissa Monteiro was born in Mumbai , India and grew up in a working-class suburb . She has a bachelor and master ’ s in social work and migrated to Australia with her husband in 2000 .

For the past 24 years , Melissa has managed the Community Migrant Resources Centre ( CMRC ), a notfor-profit community organisation , providing settlement services to Refugees and Humanitarian entrants in Western Sydney . Melissa is currently involved in empowering refugee and migrant communities settling in Australia .

She exhibits great passion for the needs of migrant and refugee women , humanitarian resettlement , and social justice issues . Through her role as the CEO of CMRC , she has made a significant and long-lasting positive

impact on the lives of thousands of immigrant and refugee people .

Melissa is also a published author , having published her book ‘ A Migrant Story : The Girl from Mumbai ’ in 2021 . She deeply values compassion , respect , the dignity and worth of every person , the right of self-determination , empathy , tolerance , and active listening .

I believe Melissa exemplifies these values which she herself upholds , and all in all , is an exceptional member of the community , highly worthy of being awarded Local Woman of the Year .

Melissa Monteiro pictured with MP Mark Hodges .