Page 4637 - Week 12 - Thursday, 15 October 2009
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remember one day when the microphone collapsed, the battery went flat and she looked at the people at the back and said, “Can you hear me?” If you have heard Rosemary, you will know that she has a very strong voice and knows how to use it, and most nights she did not need the microphone.
But apart from all of that, I refer to the sense of community. She genuinely wanted to make a difference. She certainly wanted people to be involved. She would often lament the small turnouts, but there is a regular band of the faithful that attend. For those regular attendees, I think it is reasonable to put on the record the vote of thanks.
Her sidekick, husband David Lissimore, knows more about it than any of us. I think his commitment to the community, through her, and the way that he has assisted her over time, is also to be admired. With Rosemary’s retirement, David will also have a fair amount of time on his hands.
On behalf of the community, but particularly the five members for Brindabella, I would certainly like to wish her and David well. I hope they enjoy what I guess now is their retirement. It will be interesting to see how Tuggeranong fares without the mayor of Tuggeranong.
Ms Judy Iltis
MS BRESNAN (Brindabella) (6.07): I am speaking today to mark the passing of a true stalwart of the ACT Greens party, Judy Iltis. Judy made significant contributions to numerous ACT Greens election campaigns, both federal and for the ACT Legislative Assembly, through her many hours of volunteering.
Judy picked up and took on tasks when and wherever help was needed. This included letterboxing for many hours in Tuggeranong, handing out how-to-vote cards at polling booths and working those lonely shifts on pre-polling booths. Judy was always there lending her support for various causes and rallies, whether it be for the plight of refugees or climate change. I am told that Judy would always bring along her own hand-made signs, adding her own unique character to the event.
Judy was not just involved with the Greens but represented many different groups. She also was not just involved with politics but was engaged in all areas of her community. Judy was still engaged until the very day she was admitted to hospital. I am told that, when asked if she was still actively engaged with the Greens, she said she still was, until that day. So it was not until she was not physically able to help out that she saw her active involvement ending.
I remember speaking to Judy during the days of the 2008 ACT election campaign, knowing that she was not well, and I asked her how she was doing. Judy just said, “I’m okay and as well as can be expected.” This typified Judy’s attitude and also willingness to help out with the party, given she was not well at the time. It is people like Judy that are the backbone of the ACT Greens, and I am sure other political parties. This was in her joyful and uncomplaining willingness to help out when help was called for. On behalf of the ACT Greens today, I offer the deepest sympathies to Judy’s family and friends. Judy will be greatly missed.
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