Medals were presented to John Andrew, Mary Carseldine, David Everingham, Darryl Hodkinson, Kenneth Jensen, Ronald McCann, Colin Pickering and William Tincknell.

Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming and military representative Wing Commander Bruce Hudson of the RAAF spoke about the importance of recognising the service of our veterans.

The ceremony was particularly significant for 83-year-old Mavis Page who was presented with the World War II medals awarded to her late brother Ronald Bailey.

Flight Seargent Bailey was shot down over Papua New Guinea in March 1942. His body has never been recovered.

A chance visit from Mrs Page’s daughter to a war memorial in Port Moresby revealed that Flight Seargent Bailey’s medals had never been collected.

Now the medals are not only back on Australian soil but in the hands of his nearest living relative.

Wing Commander Hudson said it was a privilege to be able to present Flight Sergeant Bailey’s medals to Mrs Page.

“Flight Sergeant Bailey was a true war hero and like so many brave young men of that time, made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of his country,” Wing Commander Hudson said.

Mr Laming said Flight Seargent Bailey’s story served as a reminder of the dedication our service men and women.