Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to pay a tribute to Wendy Watters, who passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Sunday 17 August at Shepparton Private Hospital. Wendy was 90 years of age, having been born in Wangaratta in 1935. She grew up on a dairy farm and understood hard work from a very young age. With husband Lance, they run a thriving electrical business in Shepparton. Wendy also loved politics, and in 1966 she joined the Nationals. And she was still active right up until her passing. During the last campaign, Wendy was in hospital. She called to say that, once discharged, she didn't think she would be up to standing at prepoll, but she offered to help with anything else. She forged great, long-lasting friendships with past members at a state and federal level, including Peter Ross-Edwards, Bruce Lloyd and my predecessor, Damian Drum.

It wasn't all politics; Wendy administered to the sick and dying, raised money for countless charities and enjoyed waterskiing, golf and playing bridge. One of Wendy's favourite sayings was, 'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.' Wendy Watters lived a full and wonderful life, and I offer my sincere condolences to her family and many friends. Vale, Wendy.

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