Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The mountains have mourned this January, with the deaths of three active community members. Wayne Levi was from Katoomba and was one of the most energetic campaigners I know. He was committed to many progressive causes and was an enormous part of my campaign last year in the upper Blue Mountains. Artist and Mount Victoria local Marie Morris is also being remembered. The mountains had been her home for decades, and she initiated the very successful Springwood Art Show at Springwood High. And Henk Luf, who I first met at 2SER FM in the 1980s when he was reviewing motorbikes, was an active and engaged member of the Valley Heights Rail Museum. All three made significant contributions to the community in their own way, drawing on their talents and their skills. They'll be very much missed, and my sympathies go to their grieving families and friends.

In the Hawkesbury, the extended Watson family is dealing with the loss of their beloved dad, husband, grandad and great-grandad Alan, who was married to Dharug elder Aunty Edna Watson. I've known Uncle Alan for about a decade, but it was a privilege to hear much more about his earlier life at his funeral. It was a celebration of a life well lived, with some hard work and stories of how he never gave up and was always there for his friends—a bit of mischief and quite a bit of humour, but no-one was ready to let him go. The last time I was with Uncle Alan was on Sorry Day last year in Windsor, where he was presented with an award to mark his and Aunty Edna's decades of community contribution. It was an honour to recognise their work at that time. Rest in peace, Uncle Alan.

I'd like to congratulate the Macquarie citizens who were recognised in the honours list last month. Blue Mountains resident and unstoppable force Jennifer Scott is now a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the community through a range of organisations. As Jennifer said, she was going to contribute to her community with or without a medal, but I think we're all delighted that her Rotary work, as a member of Central Blue and internationally, plus her contribution as the former chair of Varuna, the National Writers House, has been recognised in this way.

Squadron Leader Del Gaudry adds a Conspicuous Service Cross to her medals, for outstanding achievement in the implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and for her work supporting to welfare and mental wellbeing of RAAF members. She is also a volunteer firefighter. I'm in awe of Del's determination to support women in the ADF.

Corporal George Wallace was also awarded the CSC for his outstanding achievements as an avionics technician, supporting the C-130J Super Hercs, the much-loved aircraft operating out of Richmond. Congratulations, all.

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 16 : 18 to 16:41