Tuesday, 30 August 2022

Valedictory statement

Mr ONDARCHIE (Northern Metropolitan) (13:04): The greatest compliment ever paid to me was by the residents of the northern suburbs of Melbourne, by their blessing. The north-north elected me three times to represent them in this Parliament. I thank those residents and the many multicultural communities across Victoria for the opportunity to work for them. I have not always got it right, but I have done the best I can. I thank the Parliament staff right across all departments for their tolerance, their patience and their kind assistance to me. I thank my personal staff, Nadine, Jacky, Phil, Nick, Fiona and Goldy, and those who served before them, Ange, Bec, Akshay, Sarah and many others. We have served our constituents so well with energy, persistence, determination, compassion and love.

To my family—my wife, Gina; my children, Marianne, Matt, Luke, Steven, Megan and Kirsty, and their partners; and my grandchildren—thank you so much for your love and understanding. Dad was always away at community events and functions. Sometimes you had to join me, and I thank you for always understanding that. I love you. To my many, many friends, some who I cannot name individually, thank you for your love, your support, your guidance. May I offer the blessings of my God to this Parliament and all who attend here. I said in my inaugural speech that I am only one person and I cannot do everything but I will try and do as much as I can—and I did. It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve.