Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Fishing and Boating) (09:51): Today I rise to commemorate the life of Rennis Witham, a proud local historian and Labor union activist in Williamstown whose legacy extends well beyond my patch in Williamstown. Rennis’s passion for protecting Williamstown’s maritime and industrial heritage was boundless. Through her work at the Seaworks Foundation and the Williamstown Maritime Association, Rennis helped establish the Maritime Museum at Seaworks and fought to stop the Melbourne Harbour Trust workshop site from being turned into a development. Her ongoing dedication to our local heritage was unmatched, and for decades Rennis advocated for Parks Victoria to restore the iconic Point Gellibrand seawall to its original glory. Earlier this month I incorporated a speech on the matter, thanking Rennis and another local, Geoff Dougall, for their tireless work in making this a reality. I am pleased that Rennis got to see her legacy on this issue fulfilled, with the government committing to rebuild and restore Point Gellibrand seawall for future generations.
Rennis was dedicated to safeguarding not only our local history in Williamstown but also the broader history of the labour movement. She was part of a small but dedicated team of people who sought to document the values and achievements of those who came before us in the movement. She was a life member of the ALP and a heritage officer at state office, whose most recent work was exploring the history of the first female organisers in our party. She will be sorely missed.