Roy Picone
Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (09:51): Today it is with a heavy heart that I stand here to profess my sincere condolences but also my profound gratitude for the remarkable life and enduring contribution of Roy Picone. In doing so I am confident that I echo the sentiments of many Spotswood residents who share the loss of a truly exceptional member of our community. Roy was born in 1928, the same year that Spotswood Football Club was formed. When he was one his family settled on Robert Street, where he resided until his final days, in the same house, in the same neighbourhood, surrounded by his community. He did his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Australian Glass Manufacturers in Spotswood, and during the war he was machining parts for planes instead of the glass container equipment. Roy and his family, like many others in Spotswood, battled through the Depression with resilience and unwavering optimism, and he found ways to raise money and build Spotswood Football Club. He actually hand-made the wicket bails on his lathe for his also-beloved cricket club. The money was raised through card nights and pizza nights, and these communal events not only generated funds for Spotswood Cricket Club and footy club but also for the Royal Children’s Hospital appeal raffles. He bound the community so close together, showcasing that extraordinary unity that characterises people of the west. I would like to extend my condolences to Roy’s family, friends and colleagues.