Paterson, Mr N.D.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15:43): I rise today to speak about a great man, Norman Donald Paterson OAM. Sadly, Norm, as we affectionately called him, passed away on 6 July 2024 after living a great life from 22 January 1933.

Timing can be a terrible thing sometimes. I could not be there for Norm's funeral, so two days beforehand I got in touch with David Speirs, our former leader, and I was grateful that he accepted the role to speak on my behalf at Norm's send-off at the Bridges Event Centre, which is the Murray Bridge Racing Club. I just want to go through the eulogy that I penned and David put to the group that day. These are my words.

I have known Norm for most of my life. He was a footy trainer at Border Downs. I also remember him carting grain to the local silos. When the new Volvo truck came along I can remember Preston parking it outside Coonalpyn oval while he trained for footy and then drove on to Melbourne.

Norm was a husband, family man, community man and businessman. He gave a lifetime of commitment to Marg and was always there when it counted. Like the time Marg suffered burns and Norm looked after her so well. Norm's vision in seeing opportunities and seizing on them is a great success story. He built Paterson Bulk Transport which has prospered with Norm, Preston and Sam making it the success story it is today.

Also with Norm, recognising the opportunity with the Cooke Plains gypsum mine and its usefulness in agriculture. Norm was also a fertiliser agent and I can remember him on the sack truck helping me load bagged super. His support for my father and I during a tough couple of years in the early 1990s will never be forgotten.

Norm was awarded a well-deserved medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 8 June 2009 for service to the community and to the road transport and fertiliser industries. Norm was a giant of the Liberal Party over almost 70 years. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Award and a Distinguished Service Award for his service to the Liberal Party. He held many senior positions, including being my campaign manager continuously. I have truly cherished the support given to me by Norm on my political journey. A true friend and confidant during the rollercoaster ride of politics.

He did all of this with the unwavering support of Marg, who was always by his side. I truly respect Norm's straightforward approach and telling it like it is. He was a great man and friend. It was a very proud moment to present him recently with his 60-year service medal from the CFS. I am truly sorry for not being there today, but as Norm would say, 'Just get on with it.'

Norm is my political father and I will miss him deeply. To Marg and the family, my deepest condolence. You and all of us were privileged to have Norm in our lives. Vale Norman Donald Paterson OAM.