Pollock, Mr J.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Local Government) (14:12): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Today, I wish to mark the passing last week of Jim Pollock, aged 67, following a period of illness. He was the Mayor of Whyalla and a friend of several members in this house, including myself. Jim's funeral yesterday demonstrated the level of respect he engendered throughout the community. It was very well attended by the public, and the love his family had for him was also evident. Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jenny, his daughters, Kerri and Steffany, and his five grandchildren. I know they have many cherished memories of Jim to help sustain them through this difficult time.

Jim attended Woomera Primary School before undertaking an apprenticeship at the age of 16 and qualifying as a motor mechanic, rising through promotion to become service manager and workshop supervisor. Jim and Jenny married in 1970 and subsequently moved to Whyalla, taking up Yendall's Deli business on Jenkins Avenue, before Jim moved on to other avenues. In 1997, Jim became a Whyalla city councillor and eventually became mayor in 2003.

He was Chair of Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Regional Development Australia, Chair of the Provincial Cities Association and Deputy Chair of the Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group. Jim was very involved in his local community, being an honorary member of the Whyalla Norrie Rotary Club, patron of the Whyalla Football League and Cricket Association and patron of the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club. Notably, he was a keen supporter of the AFL club for all South Australians, the Adelaide Crows.

An honourable member: Hear, hear!

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: Thank you. The respect Jim attracted was built upon his ability to engage with people from all backgrounds, demographics and political persuasions. While he was always very well dressed, he had a very down-to-earth manner in getting things done and listened deeply to all the views others expressed to him.

The Whyalla community drew assurance from his strength as a leader, but his influence spread beyond that fair city, and many South Australians, especially those of us from the Upper Spencer Gulf, were inspired by his wisdom, sense of commitment and, above all, his friendship.

While he was unashamedly a fighter for his community, he always led in a statesman-like manner, working constructively with all who could contribute to making things better for the Whyalla community. While he will be missed very much, his legacy will endure in Whyalla and throughout the region. He will be remembered as a tireless advocate for his city and the region, leading his community through times of great optimism and times when great changes needed to be faced.

I am sure all members will join me in acknowledging Jim's contributions and achievements. His life was indeed a great South Australian life, and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and the Whyalla community. Vale, Jim Pollock.