Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I speak to acknowledge the life and legacy of Bruce Eastick, a giant of our community in the north and a man whose leadership, wisdom and service helped shape Gawler and South Australia for generations. Bruce's contribution to public life was defined by purpose and a genuine belief that public office is a responsibility to serve others. He served the people of the district of Light for 23 years, a remarkable period of dedication that speaks to the trust his community placed in him election after election. In that time, he held some of the highest offices in the South Australian parliament, serving as Speaker of the House during the Tonkin government and later as Leader of the Opposition from 1972 to 1975. But no matter the title he held, Bruce never lost sight of who he was there to serve—the people of Gawler and the communities that make up Light.

His commitment to local government was just as profound. He served as Mayor of Gawler from 1968 to 1972 and again from 1993 to 2000, returning to the role decades later out of a continued sense of duty to his town. Across those years, he helped guide Gawler through periods of growth and change, always with a steady hand, a practical mindset and a deep respect for community voices.

Outside of politics, Bruce was also a pioneer in his profession of veterinarian. He became the first self-employed rural vet in the Gawler region, building a practice that supported local farmers and families alike in Williston—a place I now call home, too. His leadership extended to the profession more broadly, serving as president of the South Australian division of the Australian Veterinary Association in 1961 and later as national president in 1966. That same dedication to service carried through every chapter of his life. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1996, a fitting acknowledgement of decades spent giving back.

While his public achievements were significant, those who knew him best will remember the man behind the titles, including his simple joys like the genuine love of a good vanilla ice cream with caramel topping, his only vice. Above all else, Bruce Eastick will be remembered as a great man of his community, someone who worked tirelessly for the good of the north. On behalf of this chamber, I extend our deepest condolences to Bruce's family, friends and loved ones and thank them for sharing him with our community for so many years. His legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the community he served and the example he set for future generations. May you rest in peace.