After more than four years of brutal fighting in the most destructive war the modern world had seen, the guns fell silent, and people around the world rejoiced.

But it came at a great cost, and for Australia, of the some 416,000 who enlisted for service more than 60,000 died—the effects of which were felt in every community, large and small, around the country.

In the years that followed the war, 11 November was known as Armistice Day and two minutes of solemn silence was observed at 11am.

Today, 11 November is known as Remembrance Day, and it stands as the day we remember the men and women who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over a century of service.

This Remembrance Day, I urge all Australians in communities across the nation to wear a red Flanders Poppy and to stop for a minute’s silence to remember these brave men and women.

We should also remember those who returned home carrying with them the scars of their service, and the family members who cared for them. And we thank those currently serving in the Australian Defence Force and on peacekeeping operations.

As a nation we should all show our gratitude for the sacrifice of those who have bravely served and died. For a century we have remembered them and we will ensure they are remembered still.

Lest we forget.

Darren Chester MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPPC) argues boldly that the world’s temperature has risen by one degree above pre industrial levels. How would they know?

There were few reliable weather stations in Africa and Asia 150 and more years ago.

Latin America and Russia could not contribute much.

Our world then was not yet technically developed enough to have weather stations in the oceans and seas over the earth surface.

How about the Arctic and Antarctic that had not been explored yet?

No temperature gauges waiting for them there when Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott arrived.

With the lack of adequate global records from the 19th century, one does not have to be a scientist to feel that some peer reviewed declarations are a lot of nonsense based on fantasies and assumptions.

Robert Bom

West Rockhampton

Editor’s note: They would know because of the evidence in the ground collected by hundreds of the world’s best climate scientists with over 6000 peer-reviewed references. The only people talking “a lot of nonsense based on fantasies and assumptions” are those who deny the facts.

Our readers congratulated nurse Sue Avery on her retirement after 40 years.

Kym Elms You have been a good caring nurse Sue xo

Gary Osman Great service thank you for your great care when I was in hospital

Bettina Burraston Congratulations on a wonderful career! Such a dedicated, caring nurse and beautiful human being! It was a pleasure to work with you and call you my friend. I wish you and Noel every happiness life brings your way. Take care special lady. 

Tracy Spiller Hi Sue worked with you many years ago at the Laura Johnson. Good luck in your new adventures.

Beryl Dennis Enjoy your retirement Sue you've earned it