Mario Biasin
Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) (12:50): I rise to express my profound sadness at the tragic passing of Mario Biasin, a giant of the construction industry, of philanthropy and of the fabric of football and AFL in Victoria and Australia. Mario migrated to Australia from Trieste, Italy, and still retained the suitcase he arrived with so he would never forget where he came from. Mario co-founded Metricon with the late George Kline in 1976. Under Mario’s visionary leadership Metricon has built tens of thousands of homes across Victoria—in regional Victoria and especially in the north. Under Mario’s leadership Metricon were early adopters of environmental standards, and their home building quality is recognised throughout the industry.
He has a legacy of more than 1200 employees, many of whom have lived in my electorate. He is missed terribly by his supporters and friends at Melbourne Victory, at the Essendon Football Club, at the Gold Coast Suns and at the Canteen charity and also at homelessness charities. My deepest sympathy goes to Glenda, his four children and his many grandchildren. I will miss him at my annual dinners. He was such a gentleman. When you spoke to Mario it was like you were the only person in the room. You will deeply be missed, Mario. Riposa in pace.