City of Penrith Nashos Commemorate 50th Anniversary of the end of Conscription

BY NOEL ROWSELL

BETWEEN 1951 and 1972, almost 300,000 young men were called into two separate schemes for compulsory training in the navy, army, and air force, where 212 died in active service in Borneo and Vietnam.

This week marked 50 years since the last intake of men were conscripted to join the National Service Scheme, before it was abolished by a newlyelected Whitlam Labor government in 1972.

Sunday was also the 17th Anniversary Memorial and Tribute Laying Ceremony by the Penrith City ANSA Inc, which received its charter and flag on April 7th, 2002. Membership of the Penrith City branch is steady in the high 50’s.

Penrith City President Harry May welcomed the large contingent of attendees, which included dignitaries, military cadets, friends and relatives.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP, Deputy Premier and State member for Londonderry Prue Car MP, State Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM and Penrith City Mayor Tricia Hitchen.

Mrs Car, McKeown and Hitchen all read prayers, followed by Mrs McIntosh, who gave the commemorative address, before several dignitaries and guests laid commemorative wreaths on behalf of local organisations.

The City of Penrith Australian National Servicemen’s Association acknowledges Penrith City Council for the maintenance of the memorial, Emu Plains Lions Club for their support on the day of the service with the bbq and refreshments, Captain Alex Kilgour (AAC) and the 21 Army Cadet Unit, Ropes Crossing Girl Guides Association and Tyler Watson (bugler) from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.