Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to a former long-term staff member of mine who passed away last week after a very short and sudden illness. My staff and I are deeply saddened by the loss Rosanne Mary Fitch, a dedicated member of staff and a dedicated member of the Tasmania branch of the Australian Labor Party. I pay my respects to Roseanne's immediate family. She was a much-loved daughter of Max and Beverley; sister and sister-in-law of Shane and Anne; aunty of James, Georgia, Caitlin and Aaron; and great aunt of Emilia.

Roseanne Fitch was a caring and passionate woman with a strong work ethic. She served in my office for many years before caring for her mother, Bev, before she passed away. Rosanne was a selfless individual, who sacrificed so much for others. My team will miss Rosanne not just as a work colleague but also for her amazing baking skills. I fondly remember her beautiful chocolate Easter egg muffins—I probably had too many of those! She was also such a gifted woman when it comes to dressmaking and design—her craft in terms of the talent that she had in cross-stitch, knitting and so many other crafts that she could do.

But I think where she really excelled, as far as craft is concerned, was making porcelain dolls. I know all of the members of the Eureka group based in Launceston are going to really miss her contribution to what they did together in making beautiful porcelain dolls, making the clothes, dressing the dolls and entering competitions. Rosanne, you will be sadly missed by all those who were lucky enough to work with you. (Time expired)