Page 4703 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 27 November 2019
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challenges, Mel has been an absolute rock in my office: her sense of humour, her capacity to both be organised and also to be so flexible, and to get things done with incredible good humour and an incredible understanding of how to work with other people. I cannot thank Mel enough for the contribution that she has made in my office, and I look forward to working with her in her new role in the future.
Tonight I also want to spend some time reflecting on the contribution made by someone whose contribution across many years supported many other people than me, but who also impacted on my life. Bid Williams died peacefully at her farm, surrounded by family, on Friday, 15 October, aged 93 years. Bid was a remarkable woman who gave so much to change the lives of so many and did it with humility, kindness, determination and a quiet sense of humour.
In the 1970s Bid discovered a profound joy in helping others share her love of horses, after being approached by a therapist at the Canberra Hospital to see if a few children with disabilities would be able to go out to Bid’s farm to have some pony rides. And Pegasus was born.
Pegasus has remembered Bid as a genuinely kind and caring person, who will be forever remembered and admired for her compassionate efforts, pioneering spirit and remarkable contribution to the Pegasus family for the local community and those living with disabilities. Bid will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through the continued work of Pegasus and the many people whose lives she touched. Vale Bid.
Valedictory
MR MILLIGAN (Yerrabi) (6.36): It does seem to be a little bit odd to be saying goodbye at this time of the year; nonetheless it is a good time to reflect on the 12 months that have passed, as a local member for Yerrabi, as the shadow minister for Indigenous affairs and sport and recreation, and as part of the Canberra Liberals team.
As a local member for Yerrabi, I feel proud of the advocacy and the work I have done to stand up for small businesses and to shine a light on the disruption and chaos that the light rail caused them. This journey is not over, and I will be keeping a close eye on the 12-month report to ensure that local businesses are given the opportunity to provide their feedback into this review.
I am also happy that after many campaigns, petitions and letters, parking will be provided at Palmerston shops. This will be of real benefit to local businesses, parents and residents in the nearby area. I am also grateful for the patience and hard work of the Hall community in pushing forward with their plans to build their bike track.
In terms of my two shadow portfolios, it certainly has been a big year, a year of consolidation in some ways. Having spent my initial time in the Assembly listening and learning, this year was about policymaking.
In March the Canberra Liberals launched our Indigenous affairs policy. This booklet was, and still is, revolutionary in terms of presenting a vision and outlining
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