“Here in Australia, we have the greatest weapon in the world,” he said.
“You put your right hand out and say ‘g’day mate’.
“That creates dialogue so when you’re talking, you’re not fighting. You’re understanding.
“The world is getting a lot more complicated and harder to defend so it starts with you young people. You must start it here in the schoolyard by talking and listening to each other.”
A retired naval submariner and chief petty officer in the Royal Australian Navy, his own 30-year career in the military included deployments to Malaya, Indonesia, the Malacca Straits, Borneo and the Vietnam War.
The Bundjalung man from near Grafton, also offered students some insight into the hardships he has faced and the lessons learnt throughout his life, and recounted stories about how 29 members of his family have fought for Australia going back to the Light Horse Brigade.
During his speech, he reminded students how the Anzac story is one that unites all Australians, regardless of their background, and also spoke about the importance of recognising the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the Australian Defence Force.
Impressed by the sincerity shown during the school’s ceremony, he said the attention, respect and focus displayed was “wonderful”.
“It’s up to young people,” he said.
“If you want a good country, it’s important that we all support each other. We don’t have enough support for our young people today.”
