Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to pay tribute to two steadfast members of our Labor family, Robert 'Bob' Ireland and Barry Hoare, whose lives were defined by service to our movement, to education and to their communities. Bob Ireland was born into a proud Labor family in Sydney in 1943, and his commitment to the Australian Labor Party began early, joining at just 17. In 2009, he was awarded life membership. Across decades of branch service, including many years at the Caringbah and Adamstown branches, where he served as president, Bob fully embodied Labor's values of solidarity, fairness and community.

Bob also made an extraordinary contribution to education as a teacher, head teacher and principal and through his commitment to special education. He devoted his life to creating opportunities for young people. He was also devoted to his beloved wife, Ludi, and their three children, David, Kath and Peter, and six grandchildren. In recent years, Bob cared for Ludi with endless love and compassion.

I also want to honour the remarkable life of Barry Hoare, who recently passed away at the age of 98. Barry was a treasured lifelong member of Newcastle City branch and a true Labor stalwart. He was a staunch advocate for seniors and pensioners throughout his life and remain engaged for as long as his health allowed, always sharing stories from his working life, including his time as a train conductor and his memorable meeting with Gough Whitlam when cabinet travelled by rail to Newcastle. Vale, Bob and Barry. (Time expired)

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