Ken Wyatt (Hasluck, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to talk about a man whose passion for Midland's future as a vibrant community and in business is unsurpassed. Graeme Harris, or 'Mr Midland', is passionate about the town of Midland, its people and its surrounding region. It is a key entry point to the city of Perth for the Wheatbelt and regional Western Australia. Graeme established his business in Midland over 30 years ago when the local abattoir, brickworks and Western Australian government railway workshops provided most of the jobs and apprenticeships within the region. Graeme, in conjunction with the City of Swan and the Swan Chamber of Commerce and with the support of state and federal members, has continued to work to improve the opportunities within the Midland region. They work and combine together to ensure the establishment of the new Midland Public Hospital, the proposed St John of God private hospital and the Curtin medical school for training doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

Graeme Harris is a treasure for Midland. In every community, there are similar leaders who aspire to build a better future for their local community. I acknowledge Graeme's endeavours to build a vibrant region in Midland. But, more importantly, when you have people who have that passion for their community, it enhances the way in which people connect and the way in which the community grows. It gives the community a vibrancy in terms of being a place of meaning and a place of richness in the tapestry that exists in the Midland region. I acknowledge Graeme for the work that he does.