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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-05-16 Daily Xml
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Kenyon, Mr T.R.

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:57): I wish to speak on the recent state election held in March this year. In particular, I wish to pay tribute to the former member for Newland, Tom Kenyon.

Tom served in the electorate of Newland with distinction from 2006 until 2018. He was always highly regarded by the residents of Newland and by all sides of politics in this place. In fact, it was commonly known that many people in Newland, who are usually rusted-on Liberal voters, would vote for Tom, not necessarily because of the party he represented but because of the person he was and still is. Of course, there could only be one winner and I congratulate the new member for Newland on his victory. I understand—I was there for it—that he ran a good, fair campaign and he should be commended for that.

Tom, over his many years in parliament, really did deliver for Newland. While it is impossible to list everything he achieved for his electorate during his time in parliament, I understand there are a few things of which he was particularly proud:

The upgrade of the corner of Hancock Road and Grand Junction Road for the residents of the north-east. This intersection was a big issue for many years. Tom took it upon himself to lobby the minister to upgrade the intersection and he achieved that.

The upgrade of the intersection at the corner of Golden Grove Road and Grenfell Road at Fairview Park in Surrey Downs. He also achieved that.

The street renewal program, which built over 35 kilometres worth of footpaths in the City of Tea Tree Gully, a city I am well affiliated with, over the last three years. This funding came as a result of intense lobbying by Mr Kenyon, after knocking on thousands of doors and listening to residents who raised with him on a regular basis the issue of the lack of footpaths in the area.

Furthermore, there is the O-Bahn tunnel extension, which makes it easier and much faster for residents to get into the city.

There is the park-and-ride, and the hopefully soon to be built second park-and-ride at Modbury, which was something that Tom was a vocal advocate on.

And, of course, there is the Modbury Hospital, where he ensured that the hospital was at the centre of the government's agenda and where he reminded the government of the importance of the hospital to the north-eastern community.

While Tom was the front person running for the ALP for the seat of Newland, he was supported and backed by many dedicated people who went above and beyond what was required. In this regard, Michael Iammarone and Lucas Jones, who ran Tom's campaign, and by the end of which were practically living at the Newland electorate office, I understand—in fact I think they might have had mattresses under their desks—worked particularly hard on all of Tom's campaigns.

Michael Bombardieri, a fine electorate officer who dedicated many hours to the Newland electorate and built amazing relationships with many residents, was also a key factor. Then there is the rest of the campaign team, who deserve great thanks. I would hate to exclude anyone, but I have a list as follows: Matt Deane, Simion Bugingo, Matthew Ferencz, Carol Putland, Olivia Savvas, Mel Smart, Nyan Agoth, Matthew Marozzi, Peter and Jennifer Stone, Brian and Jean Sparks, Josh Wiley, Peter Sekulic, Philip Argenio, Liam Quirke, Alex Pados, Sam Miller, Graham Williams, and Geeth Geeganage. I am sorry if I pronounced anyone's name incorrectly.

The Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins: What about the leopard?

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: I am getting to that. It's funny honourable members should mention that.

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. J.E. HANSON: There was one last volunteer who the now member for Newland came to know a fair bit during the campaign. I never met this person but I heard a great deal about them, and that, of course, was the 'Liberal leopard', mentioned by many members on the other side. Let me put on the record the great effort that the 'Liberal leopard' made in spreading the message about the Liberal Party's record on Modbury Hospital. I am told it was well received by many residents.

In conclusion, I wish Mr Kenyon all the best in his future endeavours. He was truly a local politician who knew that community counted. He will be missed by many in his electorate and his shoes will be tough to fill by any future member, no matter what party they hail from.

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