Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

LLEW O'BRIEN (—) (): This is a hard one. Karen Lennard was one of Wide Bay's humble heroes, with an infectious laugh that gave her the nickname Kak. At Chatsworth school, where my family and I met Karen nearly 18 years ago, she was a busy member of the P&C, teaching kids to swim, and, through the family business, Lennard Drilling, sponsoring community events like the Gympie Show. Since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013, Karen began fundraising for a cure. Karen passed away earlier this week, whilst her fundraising momentum continued to build. Karen's final gift to her community was $11,800.

Some heroes help, not seeking adoration or accolades; they just help because they care. Above all, Karen loved her family and her family loves her. My abiding memory of Karen is a vision of her happily going about her life with her three beautiful girls, two with Karen's signature red hair, and always not too far behind. My condolences to Karen's husband, Andy, their daughters, Katherine, Jess and Sarah, and also her granddaughters Harper and the twins Ruby and Hazel, born five weeks ago. Karen was able to hold them for the first and only time, but their lives will be forever guided by the legacy of their beautiful grandmother.