Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Tim RICHARDSON (Mordialloc – Minister for Local Government, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Renters) (10:05): I rise to recognise the life and legacy of Lachlan McLaren. Lachie was a 16-year-old boy when he was tragically killed on his birthday on 15 August 2021. A kind, caring and bright year 10 Mentone Grammar student and Parkdale Pacers basketballer, Lachie was a much-loved young person in our community. His final act of bravery, pushing his girlfriend out of the path of a car and saving her life, was extraordinary. His bravery was recognised posthumously with the Royal Humane Society of Australasia Gold Medal, awarded by the Governor of Victoria at Government House on 19 August. This medal is a special honour, giving recognition to someone who died while risking their life to save others, and only 35 people have been awarded this medal.

Lachlan’s magnificent parents Michelle and Carey have done extraordinary work in the years since Lachlan’s death, turning unimaginable grief into something positive for young people, with the establishment of the Lachlan McLaren Foundation. We get together each year for Lachie’s Walk, continuing to bring the community together each and every year to support young people. We walked from Mentone Grammar to the Mentone foreshore with hundreds of people that loved Lachlan and were touched by his life and contribution, raising tens of thousands of dollars. I want to acknowledge Michelle, Carey, Lewis, Lachie’s family and friends, and the work of the foundation. Lachie was only 16, but his courage will be remembered for a lifetime to come.