Brooks, Mr R.

Ms HOOD (Adelaide) (15:21): Today I rise to honour the extraordinary life of beloved Prospect local Ross Brooks, a man whose journey from the quiet life of a farm in Booborowie, to a life rich in love, wisdom and compassion touched so many of us. Born on the family farm, Ross grew up with a strong sense of work ethic and community. He attended North Booborowie Primary, but at a young age he left school to work alongside his family on the farm where he honed the skills that would serve him throughout his life.

His dedication to his family was evident from the start. In 1964 Ross married the love of his life, Maxine, and together they raised four beautiful children, Rebecca, Sam, James and Nick. Through all the challenges, Maxine and Ross's love for one another only grew stronger. Ross's career led him to join Correctional Services and it is this role that saw him relocate to Adelaide. It was here that his dedication to ensuring that his children had opportunities greater than his own truly flourished. But beyond his work, it was Ross's unwavering decency and strong sense of social justice that set him apart. He was always a champion for fairness, respect and dignity.

One memory that stands out was a visit to Trash and Treasure, scouting for antiques. There a former prisoner recognised Ross and with deep respect called out to him, and I quote, 'You were the only decent screw in that place,' remembering how Ross had treated him with respect during his time in prison. It is moments like these that reveal the profound impact Ross had on those around him. It was not just his role in Correctional Services but the way he approached life, always with fairness, kindness and humanity, that made him such a beloved figure.

Ross also had a love for the finer things in life, from his beautiful collection of arts and antiques to his passion for opera, ballet and the theatre. His intellectual curiosity and refined taste showed that he was truly a man of great depth. He possessed a remarkable intellect and a profound appreciation for the arts, fine food and wine, passions he joyfully shared with those he loved. Many of his most cherished moments were spent around the long dining table in the back room of his beautiful home, where he presided with warmth, wisdom and lively conversation.

His garden in Prospect, where he lived for 45 years, was another testament to his nurturing spirit. It was there in that magnificent garden that Ross would carefully rescue bees from his pond, even fashioning a little ramp to allow them to drink and collect water safely. He showed respect for every creature, no matter how small. 'They know,' he would say, 'that if I help them they will help me with the garden.'

As a dedicated Labor member and true believer, Ross's unwavering passion for social justice defined his character. He was solid, he was staunch, and he was loyal. He was also generous with his time, his experience and his judgement. He had a disarming sense of humour and did not tolerate either laziness or grandstanding from political representatives. In 1982, when the then Labor candidate for Torrens, Mike Duigan, opened a campaign office on Prospect Road with just a desk, a chair and a phone, the first through the door was a couple who said, 'Hi, we're Ross and Maxine, and we're here to help.' That was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Maxine and Ross really were the quintessential couple of their local street. When John Bannon was Premier, he would use Maxine and Ross as sounding boards for what was happening or not in Prospect. If acquaintances started to veer into Tory territory, Ross would initially chide them on their loss of commitment before quietly letting them go.

His steadfast commitment to advocating for marginalised groups and championing human rights remained central to his identity. A poignant symbol of his support for his LGBTIQA+ family and friends was his regular choice to wear a rainbow jumper, a simple yet powerful gesture of solidarity. The disappointment of the unsuccessful yes referendum deeply affected Ross. He struggled to comprehend how fellow Australians could reject support for their Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Ross was a man who truly valued his family and friends. He was loved by so many, and he loved them in return. He was a man of great respect, humanity and generosity, and those who knew him are better for it. In his final years as his health declined, Ross remained steadfast in his love for his family and his garden and in his unwavering sense of humour. While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we are comforted in knowing that his suffering is over and that his memory lives on in each of us, in particular his wonderful wife and children.

As we remember Ross today, we celebrate the beautiful life he led, a life of love, service, respect and immense intellect. He truly was an extraordinary man and we will miss him terribly. Thank you to his dearest family and friends for being here today to honour him, and all my love to Maxine, Rebecca, Sam, James and Nick. Vale Ross Brooks. We will never forget you.