I move:

That this House:

(1) notes its profound sadness at the passing of Mr Allan Ezzy AM APM, former Mayor of the City of Holroyd on 4 September 2026;

(2) acknowledges his significant contribution to local government through his 38 years of service as an independent councillor on the City of Holroyd council, including nine terms as Mayor and three terms as Deputy Mayor, during which he was a tireless advocate for the people of Holroyd and Western Sydney;

(3) recognises his:

(a) service beyond local government, including his distinguished career in law enforcement and his service to the people of New South Wales as a police prosecutor; and

(b) commitment to community service through Rotary, church and service organisations, his role in establishing the Greystanes Community Centre, and his mentorship of generations of local councillors and community leaders; and

(4) extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Patricia, his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and records its appreciation for a life dedicated to public service, community leadership and the people of Western Sydney.

I want to acknowledge Allan Ezzy's family, who are here tonight, and I want to acknowledge my friend the member for McMahon, who will second this motion.

Allan Ezzy led a remarkable life. He was born in Burwood in December 1942 to Clevelin and Valerie. He undertook a plumbing apprenticeship in 1957, and he later returned to technical college to obtain his leaving certificate. He continued studying throughout his working life, gaining qualifications in management, in local government, in law enforcement and in legal studies. For someone who became such an experienced prosecutor and community leader, it may surprise people to learn how shy Allan was as a young man. The prospect of speaking publicly could make him physically ill. Through Toastmasters and mentoring, he developed the confidence that colleagues would come to know in both courtrooms and council chambers.

His service to the community began as an ambo with St John Ambulance and then the Central District Ambulance service before he entered the police in 1968. Two years later, his involvement in apprehending an armed suspect earned him the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct. He went on to become one of the state's leading and most celebrated police prosecutors, undertaking senior duties at the Downing Centre. Allan retired in 2004 as a senior sergeant after almost 36 years in the police, having received the Australian Police Medal the previous year. His colleagues remember a prosecutor who was thoroughly prepared, calm under pressure and respected for his integrity. His work included the initial court proceedings against the men charged with murdering Anita Cobby. In a case that caused enormous distress, Allan's careful preparation of the case helped keep the accused in custody while proceedings continued. Within policing, he established the Christian Police Fellowship, supporting officers whose work brought them into contact with tragedy. His concern for his colleagues extended beyond their professional duties to the pressures they carried home.

A flooding problem near his Greystanes home drew him into local government. Elected to Holroyd Council in 1974, he served for 38 years, including nine years as mayor. Allan mentored younger councillors, teaching them to read their council papers, attend community events and follow through on promises to residents. He earned respect across the political divide, debating firmly while maintaining friendships with colleagues who held different views. The Allan G Ezzy Community Centre opened in Pemulwuy in 2013, and the following year he was made a Member of the Order of Australia. He chaired the Greystanes community centre committee for many years and established the mayoral prayer dinner. He also served as a director of the Merrylands RSL—amazing contributions from one person.

His work on flooding extended beyond Holroyd too. He became a foundation member of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust. He chaired the New South Wales flood management authority and served on the National Flood Risk Advisory Group. He supported the local SES. He understood the damage flooding could cause and committed years to improving how communities could prepare for it. His contribution to flood management was recognised with life membership of the Flood Management Association in 2011. The association also established an award in his name to recognise excellence in flood risk management.

His leadership extended to Holroyd Rotary, where he served as president and led study exchanges to Scotland for young professionals. Rotary gave him the Paul Harris Fellowship. At St John's Cathedral in Parramatta, he served as a churchwarden and parish councillor. He hosted Bible study gatherings and helped fellow parishioners, with his Christian faith being central to his life.

Throughout all these commitments, Patricia shared his life, and she's here today. They married in 1979 and raised Simone, Renee and Vanessa. Around police duties, council meetings and community events, they built a close family, and Allan worked hard to give his daughters opportunities and adored his grandchildren. His daughters remember a father who worked several jobs to provide for them, encouraged them to think independently and remained fiercely concerned for their safety.

For my family, Allan was a dear friend. He was my father John's childhood best friend. They met at school in Sydney's inner west, and they remained close until Dad's death 30 years ago. As boys, they played records and pretended to run their own radio station named 2JLAE after John Leeser and Allan Ezzy. They attended each other's wedding, and Dad was immensely proud of Allan's career both in the police and in local government. Calling Allan when Dad died was one of the hardest conversations I've ever had.

Allan's kindness extended to me. When I was born, he gave me a stuffed chipmunk known as 'Allan the chipmunk' that became a favourite toy. As a first-year law student, I took university friends to watch him prosecute at the Downing Centre. He welcomed us and patiently answered our questions. When I was elected to council at 19, he sent me a letter that I've always treasured. When I later stood for Berowra, he ceased being an Independent just for one day to put on a blue shirt for the son of an old friend.

To Pat, Simone, Renee, Vanessa and the whole family, I offer our deepest condolences. I'm grateful for his friendship with my father, his kindness to me and his extraordinary service to the community. May his memory be a blessing.