Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Many have had plenty to say here today, and I thought that the best way for me to pay tribute was to involve those in my electorate of Bennelong. Today I'll be reading out short messages of condolence on behalf of local community organisations.

This message of condolence is from Jim Morris, President of the North Ryde RSL Community Club, and Mick Leayr, President of North Ryde RSL Sub Branch:

On behalf of the members of North Ryde RSL Community Club and North Ryde RSL Sub-Branch, we offer our heartfelt condolences to King Charles III, his family and all the members of the Commonwealth on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Australia and the world have lost a truly inspirational woman, who in 1952 committed to public service when she said "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong".

The Queen fulfilled this commitment throughout her 70 year reign during the good times and the not-so-good with integrity, humility and grace. Indeed, an excellent example of how one should live one's life during these difficult times.

She had a commitment to independent thought, a policy of non-interference and an ability to join disparate peoples together. We should all aspire to these standards. She saw and understood the greater good.

May she rest in eternal peace.

This message of condolence is from John Curdie OAM, president of the Epping RSL sub-branch:

The veterans of the Epping RSL sub-branch of the Returned and Service League of Australia, mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth 2, the commander in Chief of our Defence Forces. Since her first military service in 1945, Her Majesty has had a long and proud association with the defence forces in which she has held many honorary appointments.

We join with Australia, the Commonwealth of Nations and with the millions across the world who are currently participating in history, witnessing the end of an era of Queen Elizabeth the second; An era embracing post-war reconstruction and the many changes and challenges to our society over those seven decades.

We remember and reflect upon the life of her unselfish service to all above self, her compassion to all and ever the peacemaker.

Lest we forget.

The Queen is dead. Long live the King.

This message is from the president of the Rotary Club of Epping, Mr Bruce Jacob:

The Queen lived by a leadership model that has been proven to be very successful.

She believed that some aspects of leadership are universal and involve encouraging people and organisations to combine their efforts, talents, insights, enthusiasm and inspiration to work together.

The Queen was truly a person who believed in people serving the needs of their local community.

Bennelong is a very diverse and very harmonious community.

Epping Rotary and the broader Rotary and service community, extend their condolences to the Queen, her family, the Commonwealth and beyond.

May she Rest in Peace.

Lastly, this message of condolence is from Carl Pozatto, CEO of the Ryde Eastward Leagues Club:

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second's coronation occurred on June the 2nd, 1953. Ten years later in mid-1963, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues was formed.

Whereas, at first, the orbits of a Leagues club and a ruling monarch might seem worlds apart, the parallels between why both entities exist are plain for all to see. The queen demonstrated an unstinting passion for charities, donating far and wide across multiple countries and communities. Ryde-Eastwood Leagues, in its own right, donates and prides itself in passionately supporting its own community.

The queen was a leader who led by example. She became a symbol of inspiration for many, both within the United Kingdom and here in Australia, as our head of state. In much the same vein, we always look to lead in the same way by example to our communities.

There are three simple yet all-encompassing words that embody the queen, and which the club continues to embrace: longevity, service, and community. We along with the wider area of Bennelong reflect on the great contribution and dedication the Queen gave in her time and use this as inspiration for who we are and want to be.

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