Andrew McLachlan (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to honour the lives of Barb and Stan Evans. Both were great Liberal Party members who contributed so much to the Liberal Party and South Australia. They recently passed away, last year. Stan passed away on 29 November, aged 95. Barb passed away on 4 December, aged 93.

Stan was a member of the South Australian parliament. He represented the seat of Onkaparinga from 1968 to 1970, the seat of Fisher from 1970 to 1985, and the seat of Davenport from 1985 to 1993. He was known for his exceptional campaigning skills. He and Barb were married for over 74 years. Together, they not only contributed greatly to the life of the Liberal Party but also contributed an incredible amount to the Mount Lofty and Heathfield sporting communities. Stan was later awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the South Australian parliament, and he also received the Australian Sports Medal for an outstanding contribution to cricket, tennis and Australian Rules, and for 45 years of administration.

Tonight I wish to especially honour Barb and her contribution to my state and the hills community. Barb was a tireless supporter of Stan in his public life, and he would not have achieved as much if it were not for Barb. Throughout her life, she was sustained by her strong faith; she was a member of the Upper Sturt Uniting Church. She and Stan worked together as a dynamic partnership to especially advance sporting clubs in their community. Barb served as the president of the Heathfield Netball Club. She was president and life member of the Hills Netball Association and a life member of the Mount Lofty Football Club. Barb was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, for her service to the Liberal Party and the Adelaide Hills community.

A recurring theme in the eulogies at their memorial service was their commitment not only to their community and sporting clubs but also to nurturing and mentoring young talent. A social media post of the Heathfield Aldgate United Football Club reads:

Their legacy lives on not only through clubs and facilities they helped build, but also through the next generation. The flame continues to be carried proudly by Stan and Barb's children who have all contributed in various roles across the club.

Two prestigious awards were named in their honour: the Mount Lofty Cricket Club champion trophy and the Heathfield Netball Club Barb Evans volunteer of the year award. Barb and Stan were very proud of their son Iain Evans, who succeeded Stan as the member for Davenport and held the seat from 1993 to 2014. I had the privilege of serving with Iain.

I extend my condolences to Barb and Stan's children: Yvonne, David, Ian, Daphne and Andrew, and to their families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wish to extend my personal thanks to Barb for all her kindness and support to me on my journey in the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party is so much poorer without the energy and dedication of Barb and Stan Evans. Rest in peace.