Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

() (): The incorporated speech read as follows—

It is with deep respect and affection as the federal member for Pearce that I honour the life and legacy of Mr Brian Charles Prangnell OAM. I have witnessed firsthand the impact Brian has had on our local community and our state. He was a man who never sought the spotlight yet whose quiet, steadfast service illuminated the lives of so many. Brian's story is woven into the fabric of Western Australia. From his early days in the Baptist Church through to his later years as a community and veterans leader, he devoted himself to serving others with humility and faith.

His commitment to the Baptist Church spanned more than 70 years, serving as deacon, church secretary, organist, Boys' Brigade captain and chaplain, seniors coordinator and librarian, and helping to establish the seniors fellowship at Woodvale Baptist Church. For generations of young people, Brian will always be 'Mr Prangnell from the Boys' Brigade'. As state president, secretary and executive officer of the Boys' Brigade in WA, and as a longstanding company captain and chaplain, he shaped countless boys into young men of character, discipline and faith. Many in our community can trace their values and resilience back to time spent under Brian's calm, caring leadership.

To our veteran community, Brian was a rock. As a life member and long-serving state secretary of the National Servicemen's Association of Australia in WA, and through his involvement with the RSL, he worked tirelessly to ensure those who served were recognised, supported and never forgotten. His role as a sub-warden of the WA State War Memorial in Kings Park reflected a deep respect for the service and sacrifice of others.

Brian's Medal of the Order of Australia was richly deserved, yet he wore it with characteristic humility—always choosing to talk about those he served rather than his own achievements. That quiet strength, reliability, and kindness endeared him to all who knew him.

We also remember with respect two other outstanding Pearce community members and ex-servicemen—Michael McGarry and Sid Anderson—whose recent passing leaves a great void in the Pearce community. Michael, former president of the Quinns Rocks Junior Football Club and West Perth Ambassador for Junior Football, was a passionate supporter of every local game from Yanchep to Joondalup. Sid, vice president of the Quinns Rocks RSL, was much loved and lived a life of community service and devotion to his wife and family.

Brian Prangnell, Michael McGarry and Sid Anderson each lived lives of service—to their country, their communities, and the people they loved. Their contributions strengthened the social fabric of Pearce and inspired others to serve. May they rest in peace, and may their families find comfort in the legacy they leave behind.