Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

It is extraordinary, Member for Forrest. The band shared this song, 'Carry Me', that Bruce Woodley had written two decades ago. It was just fantastic. And, of course, there is 'I am Australian'. Who in this chamber, who across Australia, hasn't teared up about that song? It is emblematic of us all. It is emblematic of our Indigenous brothers and sisters, of migrants to this nation. It speaks to the heart of Australia like no other song.

Tributes were paid to Judith Durham from such luminaries as Paul Kelly. Of course, we all love Paul Kelly—especially as we prepare for Christmas and making gravy!—but in his recorded tribute at the state funeral he said:

But behind that sweetness and gentleness there was a hidden steel and a strong independent mind. She quietly and firmly went her own way, danced to her own drum.

Truer words were never spoken. Her sister, Beverley Sheehan, said in her tribute at the Hamer Hall memorial:

Judith's joy for life, her constant optimism, creativity and generosity of spirit were always an inspiration to me.

Indeed, they were an inspiration to all of us. May she rest in peace.

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