Tuesday, 29 October 2024

 Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (13:53): I rise to pay tribute to a much-loved member of the Upwey community Thomas John Daly, who dedicated his life to education and the betterment of our local community. Tom was a true champion for students, families and the broader community, and it is with great sadness that we mourn his passing on 18 October at the age of 65 after a hard-fought battle with illness. A graduate of Melbourne University with a bachelor of education, Tom’s passion for teaching and leadership saw him devote his entire career to education in the outer east. He started his career in 1982 at Lilydale High before working at Vermont Secondary College and Wantirna College. In 2007 he took on the role of principal of Upwey High School, where his tireless advocacy and vision for a brighter future for the students and families under his care resulted in securing a complete rebuild of the school. Tom’s commitment to improving educational outcomes was unwavering, and his legacy will live on through the students who benefited from his leadership and the staff he led with such grace.

Outside the school grounds Tom’s love for the community extended to local sport. In 2018 he was awarded the number one ticketholder at Upwey Tecoma Football and Netball Club. He was a proud supporter who championed the club and its players as passionately as he did the students at his school. The flag at the Upwey roundabout was flown at half-mast for Tom for a week, a testament to the high regard and deep affection in which he was held. My thoughts are with Tom’s wife Alison; his daughter Kate; his father Brian; his siblings Bronwyn, Dennis and Bernadette and families; and all who knew and loved him. We have lost a remarkable man, but his legacy will live on. Vale, Tom Daly.