Thursday, 18 August 2022

Laurie McQuade

Mr BROOKS (Bundoora—Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers) (09:46): I rise to acknowledge the sad passing of Mr Laurie McQuade and give my condolences to his sons, Glenn and Darren, and all of his family and loved ones. Laurie was born in 1935 and was loved by the community of Watsonia and neighbouring communities for his immense contributions to the Country Fire Authority and St John Ambulance. Having joined the CFA Plenty brigade in 1965 and later transferring to the Yarrambat fire brigade in 1971, Laurie was an active volunteer member of the CFA until his passing in July this year. Throughout his 57 years with the brigade Laurie held many key positions, including firefighter, apparatus officer, second and first lieutenant and community safety roles. In 1998 his hard work and dedication were recognised through his induction as an honorary life member of the CFA.

Laurie also joined the St John Ambulance Diamond Valley division in 1981, providing first aid at many community events not only in the Diamond Valley but across the state, especially wherever a Collingwood match was being played. Laurie held positions of private and corporal officer, later becoming divisional manager. He contributed over 27 300 volunteer hours within St John’s and was made a member of the order of St John in 1995, later being promoted to an officer of the order, in 2001. In 2012 Laurie was proudly awarded the National Emergency Medal for his contributions with St John’s and the CFA during the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday fires. Laurie will be remembered by his community for his reliability and willingness to drop everything and help others. He has left a legacy for his sons and his family to be immensely proud of. Vale, Laurie McQuade.