Bill Chandler
Mr KENNEDY (Hawthorn) (10:00): For Bill Chandler OAM the Habitat Uniting Church in Canterbury was overflowing with mourners, including the member for Bass and me, in celebration of an active life well lived. Bill was a member of my senior men’s group, which gathers in a Maling Road cafe every Wednesday for coffee and chatter. He was good on the chatter, and others were happy to listen. It was refreshing to be with such a bright and optimistic disposition, albeit, as one eulogist suggested, a disposition that did not appear to suffer self-doubt. Amongst many diverse pursuits and achievements Bill was an architect, planner, urban designer and author who generously contributed skills and energy for others, especially, but not only, for fellow residents in his beloved Surrey Hills. I cite his countless letters to the editor, valued contribution to the highly successful local climate action group Lighter Footprints and even his appearances at Josh Frydenberg’s office and his challenge as a Kooyong independent candidate in the 2019 federal election. I extend condolences to his loving and proud wife, Ros, and family. Farewell, Bill, you good and faithful servant.