DHA opens new doors to honour

By Yersheena Nichols, DHA

The Polich family in their new DHA home at John French Estate, Enoggera

Newly built houses in the estate

DHA will now offer modern housing in close proximity to Gallipoli Barracks, with the opening of a new housing estate.

Major Duncan and Mrs Ethel Polich were presented with the keys to their new DHA home Senator Eric Abetz at the opening of the John French Estate and Memorial Park in Enoggera Brisbane April 10, 2003.

Maj and Mrs Polich, and son Angus, are one of 66 families who will be living on the estate, located next to Gallipoli Barracks.

Further developments scheduled for McDowell and Mitchelton will eventually bring the number of DHA homes located close to the barracks to more than 200.

Special Minister of State Eric Abetz officially opened the John French Estate and Memorial Park on behalf of DHA.

The estate comprises 66 four-bedroom, mostly two-storey homes and is located near shops, schools, public transport and recreation facilities.

At the opening Senator Abetz said the John French Estate was an impressive achievement.

“It demonstrates the Government and DHA’s commitment to providing quality houses for Defence personnel and their families,” he said.

He also said that DHA had been able to achieve substantial improvements in the standard of housing in the 15 years of its existence.

In keeping with DHA’s policy of recognising Australian war veterans in major housing developments, Senator Abetz unveiled a plaque honoring Cpl John Alexander French VC.

Cpl John French VC, was born in Crows Nest near Toowoomba and was part of operations in Giarabub, Tobruk and Syria.
In 1942 French took part in fighting in Milne Bay, Papua.

During fierce fighting French’s section was held up by three enemy machine gun posts.

French told his section to take cover. He then advanced alone with grenades and silenced two of the posts. While attacking the third post, John French was fatally wounded. When French’s section made their way forward they found that all members of the enemy posts had been killed.

His bravery at this battle earned him the Victoria Cross.

John French’s nieces Faye Lowien and Jackie O’Connor travelled from northern NSW to be present at the official opening.