Honouring Mary’s selfless service

MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin joined Senator Alex Antic at the Penola RSL for a special ceremony recognising the extraordinary service of Dr Mary DeGaris, who served as Chief Medical Officer of a Field Hospital supporting the Serbian Army during the First World War.

As part of the ceremony, Senator Antic – who has proud Serbian heritage – presented Penola RSL president Peter DeGaris, the great-nephew of Dr Mary DeGaris, with commemorative Serbian postage stamps issued in November 2024 to honour six Australian medical volunteers who served with Serbian forces during the Great War and among them was Dr Mary DeGaris.

“These stamps symbolise the deep ties forged between Australia and Serbia in times of great hardship and sacrifice,” Mr Pasin said. “It is incredibly meaningful that we can acknowledge Dr DeGaris’s contribution here in Penola, a community synonymous with the DeGaris family, ensuring her service is remembered not just in Serbia, but here in Australia as well.”

Dr DeGaris, a pioneering female medical practitioner (the third woman to attain a medical degree in Australia) ran a hospital under the Scottish Women’s Hospitals initiative in support of the Serbian Army between 1917 and 1918. Her service is now permanently recognised through the Serbian Post Office’s decision to feature her on a series of national stamps.

Senator Antic said it was a privilege to present the stamps locally.

“Being of Serbian heritage myself, I feel a deep sense of pride in seeing Serbia recognise the efforts of Australians who stood by the Serbian people in their darkest hour. Today we honour Dr Mary DeGaris, whose courage and skill saved countless lives and strengthened the bonds between our nations,” Senator Antic said.

Mr Pasin commended the efforts of local community members, historians, and family descendants who have ensured Dr DeGaris’s story continues to be told.

“Mary DeGaris’s life was one of service – to medicine, to her community and to her nation. Today’s ceremony is a reminder that her contribution is still valued and remembered,” Mr Pasin said.

The ceremony at the Penola RSL was attended by members of the local RSL, relatives of Dr DeGaris and community representatives.