Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to acknowledge the extraordinary life of Cecilia 'Cis' Sounness OAM, a woman whose remarkable longevity and unwavering commitment to her Plantagenet community leave a legacy few could ever match. Cis Sounness passed away on 19 April at the remarkable age of 103. Hers was a long life, filled from beginning to end with service, generosity and an enduring belief in the importance of community.

One of six children, Cis was born to Collie and Alice Moir in 1922 and raised on the family farm at Amelup. In 1941, both of her parents were tragically killed in a road accident on the Kalgan River bridge. In July 1943, Cis married Frank Sounness, and bred Santa Gertrudis cattle on their Merryup Farm and grew apples on their Muir Highway orchard.

Cis became not just a resident of the district but one of its most recognisable and respected figures. Her service to the community spanned more than eight decades. She was a member of the Mount Barker Golf Club for 70 years, serving as ladies captain, president and patron, and was still playing at the ripe old age of 100. She was a foundation member of the Plantagenet Village Homes, a dedicated hospital volunteer and a constant supporter of local sporting clubs, church and community activities.

Cis exemplified what it means to give back, and her contributions were rightly recognised over the years. In 1992 she was named Citizen of the Year for community service in the Shire of Plantagenet. She received the WA Volunteer Service badge in 2013, and in 2021 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, one of our nation's highest honours.

Yet perhaps her greatest achievement was as a loving mother of three, grandmother of six, great-grandmother of 12 and great-great-grandmother of four. I know she was a role model to countless generations, setting the example of a life grounded in kindness, humility and a genuine willingness to help others. On behalf of the broader O'Connor community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

In celebrating a life so well lived, we are reminded of the profound impact that one person can have. Cecilia Sounness OAM will be deeply missed by all who loved her, but her legacy will endure in the community she helped build and in the generations she inspired.