Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (10:27): I rise to honour the memory of Barry Lyons, a former mayor of Greater Bendigo and a man I was fortunate to know and call a friend. Barry passed away peacefully on 19 October at the age of 79 after a battle with motor neurone disease. An astute businessman, Barry first entered politics in the 1970s as a councillor in the now defunct Shire of Romsey. After a move to Kangaroo Flat in 1981 Barry went on to own and operate the Windermere Hotel for 23 years. Barry was a man of deep dedication to the people and places he called home and is remembered by all as someone with a profound commitment to public service. He served as president of the Kangaroo Flat Lions Club and as a board member of the Kangaroo Flat community health centre and was vice-president and life member of the Bendigo Harness Racing Club. He generously supported and sponsored local sporting groups, including the Kangaroo Flat football–‍netball and cricket clubs. Barry served as a Bendigo councillor from 2008 to 2016, with a term as mayor in 2013–14, during which time he officially opened the redeveloped Bendigo Library and expanded Bendigo Art Gallery. Barry was an outstanding community leader who was loved by many and respected by all. Barry lived his life to benefit others and was at his best when expending himself in tireless service. He leaves behind a legacy that will last, and his contributions will be remembered long after he is gone. I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Barry’s wife of almost 60 years Betty, their five children Tracy, Barry, Sharon, Jack and Karen, their partners, Barry’s 10 grandchildren, his extended family and the friends who treasured his company. Vale, Barry Lyons.