I would like to encourage all my constituents to actively participate in Remembrance Day, the 11^th November 2011. Remembrance Day commemorates the dead and injured in all wars. Originally known as ‘Armistice Day’, Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are as a nation to have the freedom and peace that we so often take for granted.

Since federation, 103,000 Australians have been killed in action during war service.  Their names are recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial and we can honour their memory on the 11^th hour of the 11 day of the 11 month by observing a minute slice.

The traditional symbol of Remembrance Day is the red poppy.  This symbol is further recognised in the poem “In Flanders’ Fields”. RSL’s in the Bonner electorate hold annual poppy appeals to raise funds for welfare and advocacy work.  Volunteers man stalls at places of business, in shopping centres or at major community events to sell poppies and raise funds for the vital work of the veteran and ex-service community.

If you would like to know more information about Remembrance Day please follow the below links

Remembrance Day Website http://www.remembrance-day.australianwarheroes.com/

Department of Veterans

http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/commemorations/commemorative_events/remembrance_day/Pages/index.aspx

Moreton Bay College is planning its third Carols by Candlelight event to be held on the front ovals of the College on the evening of the 27 November.

All members of the community are welcome to come along and enjoy the roughly 300 student singers and musicians along with a community choir, opera singers Kiren Ewald from X-Factor, Ali Schmeal from Creative Generation and Chrislyn Hamilton from Australian Idol, all compared by Ranger Stacey from Totally Wild.

This FREE event is family friendly and alcohol free and you are encouraged to come along from 5:30pm – bring your own picnic or enjoy the sausage sizzle provided – and enjoy the carols commencing at 7:00pm once dark.

The Fort Lytton Historical Association (QLD) invites you to join them in their Artillery Day celebration. Come down to the Fort Lytton National  Park for a sausage sizzle and morning tea and enjoy the history and excitment as you witness once again the spectacle of the Fort Lytton Cannons fired by the Brisbane Garrison Battery,  “A” Battery, Qld Permanent Artillery and Albert Battery.

The 1st Regiment RAA Band will also be reciting various numbers from their Repertoire in what is sure to be a wonderful day. RSVP’s are essential and more information including where to RSVP can be found here

Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the wider community. The Week is an annual national awareness campaign held each year to coincide with World Mental Health Day, which falls on 10 October every year.
Local and regional Mental Health Week events organised by local groups and communities add to the ongoing process of enlightenment about the nature of mental illness and the achievability of good mental health.

For more information, click here