Tuesday, 2 May 2023

 Steve DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh – Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Creative Industries) (15:38): It is with a heavy heart I rise to pay tribute to John Attwood, who sadly passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a beautiful family and a community indelibly grateful for his work. If you have ever lived around Murrumbeena, you are sure to know the Attwood name. This is because John, a lifelong resident of Murrumbeena, was the living embodiment of what it means to serve our community. Widely regarded as the unofficial mayor of Murrumbeena, John’s whole working life was committed to the Murrumbeena newsagency. In 1939, at the age of 10, John started working there doing the paper rounds. He then went on to manage the business before buying out Alf Stevens in 1963, who had started the store in 1929. John was a great newsagent, and his colleagues and customers loved him. John was also a dedicated supporter of all things Murrumbeena. He adored all local organisations and sports clubs, in particular the Murrumbeena football club and the Murrumbeena Bowls Club, to whom he was a generous sponsor and loyal supporter. John was also a valuable member of the steering committee which roused community support for the return of local bank branches to the Neerim Road shopping strip, including the Murrumbeena community Bendigo Bank branch, which still exists today. In a time of frequent bank closures, I am glad that Neerim Road is still bustling, thanks to the passion and vision of people like John. I wish to thank John and his family for their contribution to our community. We will miss John’s cheeky smile. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and many friends. Vale, John Attwood.