Media Room: Media Releases

THE FUNERAL OF CORPORAL MATHEW HOPKINS

Mourners congregated at Newcastle’s Christ Church Cathedral today for the funeral service of Corporal Mathew Hopkins, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan last week.

Corporal Hopkins’ wife and son were joined by their large circle of family and friends and as well as members of his Darwin-based 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.

On hand to pay their respects to the Australian soldier were the Deputy Prime Minister representing the Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP; the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP; the Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel representing the Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon. Bob Baldwin MP; the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP; Member for Shortland, Ms Jill Hall MP; and the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Nathan Rees MLA.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie; and Commander 1st Brigade, Brigadier Michael Krause were also present to pay their respects.

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon paid tribute to the service Corporal Hopkins had provided to the country.

“Australia should never forget the ultimate sacrifice Mathew has made for this nation. I know that the thoughts, prayers and support of all Australian’s are with Mathew’s wife, son, family and friends during this very difficult time,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Corporal Hopkins’ casket was carried into the Cathedral by a Bearer Party mounted by his mates from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. At the conclusion of the service the bugler played the Last Post in tribute to his passing.

At the request of the family, media are requested to respect the family and their wishes for privacy during this difficult time.

Media note: 

Vision  

Vision of the Church service and ceremony will be made available to Newcastle networks via NBN, Sydney Metropolitan networks via Channel 9. Please ring MAJ Andrew Bird on 0407 482 919 to confirm these arrangements and approximate timings.

Photography

Images of the service and further personal imagery of CPL Mathew Hopkins will be available from approximately 3:30pm from the Defence website – www.defence.gov.au/media/download

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664