Ms CLANCY (Elder) (15:50): Each year, for a number of years now, on the Sunday in February that falls closest to 16 February I have attended a remembrance service in honour of the nurses who died in the Bangka Island massacre on 16 February 1942. When the Vyner Brooke was sunk in 1942, nurses swam to shore and then they were asked to turn around and walk back into the ocean where they were gunned down. Twenty-one unarmed nurses died and one, Vivian Bullwinkel, faked death and then, when she was sure they had left, made her way back to shore.

If it was not for her, the sole survivor, we would not know of this massacre. Her incredible strength, and the strength of all of those nurses, is something that I think is really important we stop each year to consider, reflect on and be thankful for.

I attended with the member for Reynell, the member for Hurtle Vale, the member for Waite and Louise Miller-Frost, the member for Boothby. I also attended with my favourite young woman, miss seven—soon to be miss eight—because I think it is really important that the next generation is also aware of the incredible sacrifice that has been given by many Australians.