Keith Kelly and Margaret Pitson
Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery) (10:11): I rise today to pay tribute to and celebrate the contribution of Keith Kelly and Margaret Pitson to the Huntly Memorial Hall committee and the wider Huntly community. Keith joined the men’s committee in 1969 and Margaret joined the women’s committee in 1977, both because they wanted to support and be connected to their local community. In 1981 those two committees came together, and since that time they have both dedicated hours and hours of commitment and service to the Huntly community over that period of time. When I saw Keith and Margaret on Anzac Day this year, they advised me that they had both planned to step down from their executive roles at the upcoming annual general meeting in July of this year. In paying tribute to Keith and Margaret’s contribution, I particularly want to identify the work they have done each and every Anzac Day since 1993, when they held their first service. Over that period of time they have not only held annual Anzac Day services that are now attended by large, large numbers of people from across not just the community but the district, they have also established the Huntly Garden of Remembrance, which is a wonderful tribute in recognition of people who have served their country in wartime and are remembered by their local community in their local community. The hall celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year as well. All the best to Keith Kelly and all the best to Margaret Pitson for their work.