House debates

Monday, 21 November 2016

Constituency Statements

Collins, Mr Wayne

4:11 pm

Photo of Jason WoodJason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

It was with a tinge of sadness that, a fortnight ago, I was at the retirement of Wayne Collins, from ECHO, as part of St Mark's Church. Wayne has been in that role for over 12 years. I also thank his wife, Karen, and his children, who often would have to give up dad to help out the Emerald community. Wayne, you have been an absolutely fantastic ambassador for helping young people not only in Emerald but through the Dandenong Ranges.

It was refreshing to hear young person after young person who was at the send-off tell me personally what a magnificent job Wayne has done, quite often bringing them from a path where they were going down the wrong way to their actually becoming outstanding citizens. I spoke to Wayne Burgess, a former principal at Emerald Secondary College. Wayne brought the chaplaincy program to the school. When it comes to emergency services in the area—I spoke to Ben, who is the captain of the Emerald SES—Wayne is the person you go to if you want something done.

In this short time, we cannot express our gratitude and our thanks to Wayne for what you have done for the community and for all those young lives you have helped. We truly respect you. We honour you, and we look forward to working with you in the future. Good luck in your retirement.