Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to recognise the phenomenal work of Sally Wynd, who set up Doonside's Eagles RAPS. Nearly 30 years ago, spurred by tragedy, Sally and husband Marten determined to make a difference for young people in Doonside and beyond. They always believe in the ability of our young people, even if others won't. With no formal background in youth work, Sally started Eagles RAPS as a place young people could turn to for help, and a vision grew. Eagles RAPS began training young people to grow their skills and ambitions, developing great links with major firms such as Amazon Web Services. Eagles RAPS has supported so many young people—I love attending their graduation ceremonies and seeing the pride in the faces of the graduates' parents. It's said that Sally is retired, yet 'retiring' is never a word I'd associate with Sally. I'd like the House to know that Sally Wynd has been instrumental in changing lives and delivering hope to young people in Doonside.

This is going to be hard to talk about because this person meant a great deal to me personally and to our community—the late Uncle Greg Simms, community leader, activist, storyteller and cultural educator. Born in 1949, he fashioned deep, tight and enduring ties to Western Sydney through ancestral links to the Gundungurra of the Blue Mountains and the Gadigal of the Dharug nation. Quiet, humble, modest, often with a cheeky glint in his eyes but never to be mistaken, he was a force of nature. He always directed that force to help others—always busy, always working. At every event in every corner of our region, Uncle Greg would be there, and then he'd be there for others in their time of need, especially young people who'd given up hope that anyone would be there to help them. Never bitter and never angry, he was full of faith in his fellow person. He strove for reconciliation; a regular face at the Mount Druitt and District Reconciliation Walk, he often reminded us, 'Piano sounds best when the black and white keys play together'.

You didn't just know Uncle Greg; you loved him. You loved what he stood for, and you loved how much he gave of himself. His farewell service at St Andrew's Catholic church in Malabar witnessed an incredible turnout—literally standing room only. People were spilling out of the doors, leaning in to hear what they could. It seems fitting, when recalling Uncle Greg, to end with one of his signature phrases—one that always left an imprint on the minds of those who heard it. 'When you take your next step, remember the ones that took the steps before you.' Rest in peace you tremendous, warm soul, Uncle Greg Simms.

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