Page 2333 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 4 August 2021
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seeing a purpose-built facility built in the ACT because, let’s say, dying can take a long time. I have watched many people support their loved ones through that process and sometimes we all need a holiday or a break, no matter our health and no matter our situation. Thanks very much, Palliative Care ACT, and thanks very much to everyone involved in Leo’s Place.
Mr Derek Wrigley OAM—tribute
Father Brian Maher OAM—tribute
MS VASSAROTTI (Kurrajong—Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services and Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction) (4.41): It is probably appropriate that I rise this afternoon to recognise the passing of two individuals that have made contributions to our local community in very different ways. I would firstly like to acknowledge Derek Wrigley OAM, who passed away at 97 in late June. Others have written some lovely obituaries for Derek since then. Since I have limited time in this adjournment speech, I will keep my remarks very brief.
Derek is widely known in Canberra for his design work. As the university architect at the ANU, Derek’s designs can be seen everywhere, such as the wooden chairs in some of the older ANU buildings. I recently learned that the beautifully comfortable seats and desks in the Shine Dome were also designed by Derek. He also worked on designing technical aids for people with disabilities, but moved into sustainable housing in the latter part of his career. Derek truly was a designer focused on the needs and aspirations of people.
In the past 20 years or so, Derek became alarmed about climate change and wrote several books on sustainable housing. Derek was a highly valued member of the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society for many years. He made the challenging and creative process of retrofitting houses for improved comfort his forte.
Derek routinely held open days in his home in Mawson to showcase to people what they could do to their homes themselves. His ideas were grounded in pragmatism, function and affordability, and his energy and enthusiasm was infectious. Perhaps his most renowned idea was the southern reflector—polished steel mirrors placed on the southern side of a house to reflect winter sun into the southern rooms. On touring his Mawson home, it was possible to lose your bearings because the sun was beaming in from several directions. Derek would proudly proclaim to visitors how cheerful it made the house, and I think that sums up his attitude to improving homes for everyone.
I would also like to recognise the passing of Father Brian Maher OAM. Ordained in 1966, he was a much-loved priest serving in several parishes of the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese, including Braddon for eight years, Bungendore for six years and Aranda for 15 years. He retired in 2007 and also passed away at the end of June.
As well as these contributions, Father Brian became known for his significant contribution in documenting the history of the archdiocese. Over the years, as part of his research, he collected a number of records, including letters, maps, newspaper
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