Page 1534 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 31 March 2009
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One of the most poignant moments in yesterday’s service at the Southern Cross Club was Margaret’s brother Fred speaking eloquently about how these values should continue to play out in our lives. He was calling for us to love each other more and to care for each other in the community more deeply.
To Margaret’s family and to all who were touched by her during her 30 years of community service we offer our deepest condolences, and to Margaret, in her absence, we offer our thanks for a life well lived in the service of others.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens): On behalf of the Greens, I rise to offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Margaret Spalding. Our thoughts are also with all the workers and members of Koomarri. We are, like many people in the ACT, deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of such an important and inspirational member of our community.
Margaret was, without a doubt, a compassionate and selfless person who dedicated much of her life to helping those who are less fortunate. Today we join the people of the ACT in thanking her for every one of those tireless hours.
In her role as Chief Executive of Koomarri she helped countless individuals with disabilities and their families. To dedicate a large part of your life to helping those in such great need should not be underestimated. We must count ourselves lucky to have had the service and dedication of such a great person. As a lifelong advocate for providing services to the disadvantaged, she was recently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contributions to the disability services sector.
If, as has been recorded in the media, certain events in Margaret’s recent past were a dark period for her, this could never overshadow or detract from the 30 years she served the ACT community for. I believe that few of us will be able to claim a legacy of the kind that Margaret leaves us. It is an extraordinary contribution to the ACT community—because to do any less would not deliver her the honour she deserves.
On a personal note, having worked in the community sector for 25 years, I knew Margaret and was impressed by her tenacity and determination. She was a true champion of people with disabilities and their families. She had great leadership abilities and was happy to support and mentor others. Margaret’s loss will be deeply felt throughout the community sector, where people of her calibre are vital if the ACT is to be a place that includes, supports and cares for all its citizens.
As has been stated, Margaret said that she grew up in a family that held very strong values about caring about people in the community and doing something about it. Here was a woman who truly did lots to help the community and so much to help so many families.
Again, Mr Speaker, I offer our most sincere sympathies to Margaret’s loved ones in what is an indescribably difficult and sad time for them.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability and Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Industrial Relations and
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