Mathew HILAKARI (Point Cook) (10:02): Vale, Laurie Russell ESM. It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Lawrence ‘Laurie’ Russell ESM with the Parliament, born in July 1942 and passing away on 23 April this year. Family was his great contribution, but I am going to talk about a different contribution that he made, which is to the SES in Victoria: 40 years of continuous service and a unit controller for more than 32 years. Laurie was a founding member of the Werribee unit, which he went on to become the controller of. On the day that he finished his probation he became the deputy controller, such was his skill. Laurie went on to become the founding controller of Wyndham West and Point Cook in 2023. I can personally attest to the strategic way in which Laurie went about establishing the Point Cook SES and making sure it was fit for purpose. It was his contribution that made that happen. I am thankful to him for that, and I know the community is thankful as well. He was a member of the board of VICSES for 14 years from 2005. I want to acknowledge Carol, his late wife, because she made so much contribution to the SES without ever being a member herself. They also re-met at the Belgrave swimming pool, which was a lovely story shared on the day. Pride in his family was evident at the opening of the Point Cook SES, with his daughter Vicki and granddaughter Amy now the unit controller. Vale, Laurie Russell.