Anne Aly (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Minister for International Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to pay tribute today to an extraordinary woman in my electorate, Lorraine Mills. Lorraine will probably be horrified I'm mentioning her, but that's who Lorraine is. She's humble and practical, never seeking the spotlight. When I told her that I wanted to acknowledge her, she said, 'But I haven't done anything like jump out of a plane or fight a bushfire.' But that's exactly why I speak today, because Lorraine has spent more than three decades serving her community in quiet, generous ways—a true unsung hero of Cowan.

I first met Lorraine in 2017, and she struck me as fresh, energetic, funny, smart and never afraid to speak her mind. When a local paper stopped delivering hard copies in her suburb, Lorraine instantly thought of older residents who would be left behind. She came to my office every week, filled her car boot with newspapers and made sure that those residents didn't miss out—no fuss, no fanfare, just Lorraine being Lorraine.

One of the greatest contributions that she has made has been as a justice of the peace. For more than 30 years, she has certified countless documents. She's supported police, hospitals, courts and families, taking calls at all hours of the day—even at two in the morning. For 15 years she even ran a JP desk at Newpark Shopping Centre, come rain, hail or shine. Lorraine is beloved by police officers, whom she affectionately calls 'her coppers'. Lorraine's service follows a family tradition; she was inspired by her father, Max, who was awarded an Order of Australia. Unfortunately, health and age has required that Lorraine step back from her active—really active—work across Cowan. Her remarkable chapter of service is ending, but her impact endures.

Lorraine Mills is loyal, fierce, funny and kind. Lorraine: on behalf of all of Cowan, a huge thank you for your decades of service and selflessness. In true Lorraine style, I will finish my speech as she so often finished her letters to me—with words of encouragement. Lorraine, you are loved, you are appreciated and you will never be forgotten.

Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, and thank you to Lorraine.