Thursday, 15 May 2025

 Martin CAMERON (Morwell) (09:51): The Latrobe Valley community is mourning the loss of a true community champion this week with the passing of Morwell CFA stalwart and larger-than-life personality Simon Lund. Simon dedicated 25 years to the CFA as a technical field officer and faced some of the biggest fire emergencies Victoria has ever seen head-on with just one thing in mind: the safety of his community. Tragically last year Simon was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which doctors attributed to his exposure to carcinogenic materials while working for the CFA, but because Simon served as a field officer he did not fit the criteria to be eligible for compensation under the firefighters presumptive rights legislation. Incredibly, while navigating the impossible path of having a terminal diagnosis, Simon was determined to advocate for change to this legislation so that it recognises people like him. That is true to form with Simon, always looking out for others and putting them ahead of himself. I want to send my deepest sympathies to Simon’s wife Tracie, their children Cooper, Matilda and Kate, his extended family and the CFA family. Simon gave his all to his community and his family, and we are poorer for his loss. Vale, Simon Lund.