Bruce Billson (Dunkley, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The passing of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, AC, DBE, was a particularly sad and poignant day for the Dunkley community. Dame Elisabeth was a local resident and had inculcated herself into so much of the life of the local community. We knew her as a neighbour, as a friend, as a patron to many organisations and as an inspiration to many local people. There was a wonderful tribute paid to her not just as a one-way gesture but as a statement of mutual support in the establishment of the Elisabeth Murdoch Secondary College, which is located in Langwarrin not far from her home. They have benefitted from the guidance and wisdom of Dame Elisabeth and from the example that she set for and the encouragement that she gave to the students. She had a genuine commitment to the success and vitality of that school community. In return, the school community has honoured her for many years and they were particularly saddened by her passing.

That day, 6 December 2012, was a day when we lost a great national identity, a remarkable woman who fostered optimism and new possibilities. She was also an incredibly generous spirit and highly respected among the local community. Even in recent weeks, Cruden Farm, that delightful home that Dame Elisabeth raised a remarkable family in for generations, has still hosted community organisations, celebrations, events and fundraising for community groups who might not otherwise be able to access an opportunity to use such a splendid and special place. It is in reach of so many.

I want to also remark on the very particular sadness that her dedicated staff felt upon Dame Elisabeth's passing. I have known a number of them over many years. They are widely recognised, particularly the gardening team under the leadership of her gardener, a fellow green thumb and gardening traveller who has been so much a part of Dame Elisabeth's expression of commitment to Cruden Farm and the majesty of that property. I cannot imagine the loss that they must have felt. I have spoken with a number, including at the funeral. They have a very raw and real sense of grief at the passing of someone who so much a part of their lives as they were a part of Dame Elisabeth's life.

Her life was one lived with purpose and passion. She was not wishy-washy on many views. She had strongly held views, but arrived at those views after careful consideration. She was devoted to her family and very dedicated to the many medical, artistic and community endeavours that benefited from her drive and generosity. Much will be written about Dame Elisabeth's invaluable contribution to and support for national significant cultural, scientific and medical organisations. But she had a profound impact on the course of the lives of many who her work touched.

Beyond the Elisabeth Murdoch Secondary College, perhaps you and others might be aware of the world-class McClelland Gallery, a sculpture facility of high quality dedicated to sculpture on a property that spans many hectares, including bushland areas of high environmental significance punctuated by remarkable works of sculpture. Dame Elisabeth was a benefactor of and an inspiration for that gallery for many years. It will also be a lasting tribute to her passion, her support, her personal encouragement and her engagement with local artists and community organisations—but one example of the very meaningful and lasting legacy she leaves our community.

I mentioned Cruden Farm. Dame Elisabeth was a very willing and keenly engaged host, opening her family home and the remarkable gardens to so many. It brought great joy and delight to countless worthwhile causes. Everyone loved exploring that garden. Who would have thought that in the outer suburban areas around Frankston would be—as I used to say to Dame Elisabeth—the Langwarrin botanical gardens? It was actually her family property. She planned and nurtured that garden over decades, over generations, with such thoughtfulness. She was extraordinarily proud of that property. As I said, her partners in the remarkable endeavour, the gardening team, were so devoted and so committed.

That garden caused me to learn a bit more at Dame Elisabeth's urging. I was fortunate to be, from time to time, invited as a guest. We would sit and talk over lunch about some of the challenges, the pressing issues, of the world, and occasionally we would talk about the goings-on within her family. They were lovely luncheons. On one occasion she asked whether I could be of assistance to her. I was always keen to support her work as she in turn supported the work of so many in our community. She was passing off one of her patron roles because as her life progressed her remarkable energy was maintained, but the spread of hours over which it was applied had to be curtailed, at the advice of those who cared for her. I am sure my friend and colleague might be aware of some of the gardening varieties that are collected. She asked me whether I would be happy to be a patron of one of the floral societies down our way.

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