Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge the passing of two remarkable women—former senator Trish Crossin AM, and Jocelyn Cull—who both gave so much to our Northern Territory community.

Trish Crossin was a true trailblazer: the first woman to represent the Northern Territory in this place, in the federal parliament, over in the Senate. From teaching in eastern Arnhem Land to serving as a senator, Trish dedicated her life to service. She cared deeply about fairness, equality and our Northern Territory community, and about making sure that the communities don't get forgotten. She was also a friend and mentor to me and she'll be deeply missed. My thoughts are with her husband, Mark, her children and her grandchildren. Vale, Trish Crossin.

I also acknowledge the passing of Jocelyn Cull, a former president of our St Mary's Vinnies Conference and later the president of Vinnies NT. Jocelyn's compassion and service touched many lives. She was a fierce advocate for better housing, emergency relief and support services, particularly for Aboriginal communities who didn't have much but also for regional communities and for Territorians that are doing it tough. She helped shape Vinnies' housing and homelessness work in the Territory, and our thoughts and prayers are with Graeme and their young children. Vale.