Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to the lives of three people who each, in their own way, served our community and our country. In June this year, one of Wide Bay's last surviving World War II veterans passed away. Lillian Coyne was a much loved and respected family and community matriarch. Lillian was 99 when she passed away, and her kindness, wisdom and sharp wit are sorely missed.

Born in Bauple in 1926, Lillian served in the Women's Royal Australian Navy during World War II in a clerical role, mainly as a member of HMAS Moreton. After the war, Lillian returned to Bauple, where she raised her children and became deeply involved in the community. Lillian was one of the residents who helped establish the Bauple Museum. Her knowledge of the history of the Bauple district was immense. She authored several books documenting the history of the region, and she was a local legend in her own right.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lillian several times in 2020. I presented her with a commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and, in 2023, a certificate of appreciation for her war service. Our last meeting took place at Groundwater Lodge in 2024, where she shared her memories of Wide Bay and her wartime experiences in the Women's Royal Australian Navy.

In 2025, the Wide Bay community also farewelled Melville Harris of Tiaro. Mel was married to Linda Harris for 56 years, and, throughout their lives together, they travelled extensively as a family, encouraging their three daughters to learn about different cultures and experience the world around them. Mel enjoyed working with his hands, and his work went well beyond putting up election signs. He won two Fraser Coast heritage awards for his restoration and renovation work, and he shared his skills and talents with the community.

Mel and Linda devoted much of their life to public service. Mel joined Rotary over 50 years ago and was a proud Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding service and commitment to Rotary's ideals. He was actively involved in the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program and numerous Rotary fundraisers. Even after their retirement, Mel and Linda's strong commitment to their community and volunteering continued. Mel was bursting with pride when Linda was awarded an OAM in 2023.

Mel and Linda have been steadfast friends and strong supporters of the National Party since the 1980s, and then the LNP, having assisted in every election held over the last 40 years. I thank them both for their efforts. Mel was a man of quiet achievements, a generous spirit and a deep love for his family and community. His presence will be deeply missed.

Peg Burgin passed away this year. Peg was an amazing person who reached the age of 97 years old. Peg was born in Melbourne and lived with her husband Cecil on a rural property in Victoria before moving to Tewantin after Cec retired from his career as a Liberal member for Polwarth in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1970 to 1985. Peg spent many years actively supporting the Liberal Party and often spoke about handing out how-to-vote cards for Sir Robert Menzies in her younger days.

After Cec passed away in 2003, Peg continued her strong and loyal support for the Liberal Party and the LNP in Queensland, including starring in my first election campaign ad in 2016. Peg was a member of the state council and the women's council. She attended party conventions, donated to campaigns and hosted party functions and fundraisers in her home.

Peg continued her voluntary work up until close to the end of her life, and she is remembered as a warm, friendly, engaging lady who was always willing to help others.

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