Thursday, 1 August 2024

Gary Ward

Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (10:57): I rise to pay tribute to my wonderful dad Gary Ward who passed away on 18 July. My inspiration and my hero, he was a big-hearted man of courage, compassion and immense integrity as well as a lot of fun. He and Mum raised us with both Catholic and Labor values of social justice and caring for others. He dedicated his life to the betterment of the rights and conditions of workers as a union organiser for the SDA for more than 30 years. He also contributed to our local community in many ways, including through the Corpus Christi school and parish and the Therry Penola football club and as a life member of Glenroy Cricket Club.

A true believer, Dad joined the Glenroy West branch of the Labor Party in 1985 and helped at every state, federal and local election. Unfortunately he died one year short of his ALP life membership. Although he became a paraplegic in 2005, he continued to be involved and fought the good fight to the end. He was still involved in the campaign to bring back a post office to Glenroy, and I thank him, Sonja and John Rutherford and all the members of the post office working group for their continued work and for not giving up. I will again write to Australia Post, and I also thank Peter Khalil for his continued advocacy on this issue.

Dad touched the lives of so many and was loved by all who knew him. I would like to take this opportunity to thank his team of dedicated carers, especially Kala, Romina, Germeet and Louise, who shared his journey and lots of laughs along the way and always provided assistance with such dignity and respect. Thank you.