Thursday, 15 August 2024

 Pauline RICHARDS (Cranbourne) (09:59): I would like to join my colleagues in acknowledging the loss of Jude Perera, a loved husband, father and grandfather to Ira, Rangana and Judy. My deepest condolences to you and your wonderful family. I know how proud he was of you all and of his beautiful grandchildren. We know when we lose someone in our lives that we all have different ways and unique ways of remembering them, different and unique ways of keeping their memory alive, but for me and the Cranbourne community we have a special way of remembering Jude Perera, because he was our member. And I will not have to work very hard, because I can report to the house that his memory is alive and well.

I am frequently stopped by constituents who he has helped and to whom he has extended the hand of friendship. It has been an extraordinary role that he has played – like the countless times he helped the Sri Lankan diaspora and other community members to settle immigration matters, something that was beyond his jurisdiction as a state member of Parliament, but he did it all the same and he did it with great care. His memory is alive and well when we travel through the streets of Cranbourne. A fortnight ago at Jude’s funeral I sat next to the assistant principal of Cranbourne Secondary College, and I can tell you he speaks often of the legacy that Jude has left for the students of Cranbourne. He was a remarkable person and a fierce advocate, and I am very proud to be able to say vale, Jude Perera.