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.<\/p>\n
As part of the ceremony, Senator Antic \u2013 who has proud Serbian heritage \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese stamps symbolise the deep ties forged between Australia and Serbia in times of great hardship and sacrifice,\u201d Mr Pasin said. \u201cIt is incredibly meaningful that we can acknowledge Dr DeGaris\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr DeGaris, a pioneering female medical practitioner (the third woman to attain a medical degree in Australia) ran a hospital under the Scottish Women\u2019s Hospitals initiative in support of the Serbian Army between 1917 and 1918. Her service is now permanently recognised through the Serbian Post Office\u2019s decision to feature her on a series of national stamps.<\/p>\n
Senator Antic said it was a privilege to present the stamps locally.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing 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,\u201d Senator Antic said.<\/p>\n
Mr Pasin commended the efforts of local community members, historians, and family descendants who have ensured Dr DeGaris\u2019s story continues to be told.<\/p>\n
\u201cMary DeGaris\u2019s life was one of service \u2013 to medicine, to her community and to her nation. Today\u2019s ceremony is a reminder that her contribution is still valued and remembered,\u201d Mr Pasin said.<\/p>\n
The ceremony at the Penola RSL was attended by members of the local RSL, relatives of Dr DeGaris and community representatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 \u2013 who has proud […]<\/p>\n