House debates

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Statements by Members

Berowra Electorate: Margaret-Anne Hayes

1:31 pm

Photo of Philip RuddockPhilip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

It is always a unique opportunity for us, as members of the House of Representatives, to acknowledge remarkable Australians. I have one such lady, Margaret-Anne Hayes, known to me. She is the oldest participant of Can Too fundraising. I am sure all honourable members know that Can Too raises funds for cancer research. Margaret-Anne has already raised over $175,000.

The challenge to every member is to identify a constituent who can do as much as Margaret-Anne in raising money for cancer research. She plans to hit the target of half a million dollars, and she is doing this through feats such as holding balls at our Hornsby RSL. She has trained other groups of fundraisers, who, in turn, have raised $1.5 million. She has sold her home-made chutney, she has shaved her head, and she has even sky-dived from a plane, at the age of 73. I have been very fortunate to know her and to support her activities. She had her 75th birthday recently. I wished her well, and I am sure all members will join with me in wishing her many happy returns.

Honourable members: Hear hear!