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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2021-05-26 Daily Xml
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Motions

Walker, Mr M.

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. F. Pangallo:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges the passing of Mr Murray Walker, OBE;

2. Acknowledges his achievements in the broadcasting of motorsport worldwide;

3. Acknowledges his enthusiastic support and promotion of South Australia, in particular motorsport events, including the Australian Formula One Grand Prix between 1985-95 and as a Roving Ambassador for the V8 Supercars; and

4. Conveys its sincerest condolences to his wife, Elizabeth, and family in the UK on his passing.

(Continued from 17 March 2021.)

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (17:43): Murray loved Adelaide, and in return we loved Murray. It has now been 36 years since he uttered those famous words, 'The Australian Grand Prix is go,' and from that point onwards the love affair could not be denied. One of the main objectives in bringing Formula One to Adelaide was to increase Adelaide's profile in the world. With the arrival of Murray, that box was ticked from day one.

Murray spoke volumes for Adelaide. He had nothing but praise for the facilities and organisation of our great event. He made sure that South Australians were aware and appreciative of how good we could be and what great things we had to offer the world. For 11 amazing years, our city streets became familiar to billions of people, and at the helm was a man with an electrifying voice, spruiking how brilliant our city and our state were.

While the Adelaide races were notable, particularly in 1986 with a blown tire from Nigel Mansell or in 1994 with a controversial collision between Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, it did not really matter what happened on track. We could always count on Murray to make the race exciting, for Murray had a talent that we are likely to never see again.

In noting that his background came from motorcycle racing involving his champion father Graham, he was essentially the voice of the enthusiast. In this day and age, commentators seem to always come from those who have partaken in a particular sport—just listen to Triple M. While he did race bikes in his past life, Murray came from a different era, where his knowledge, prowess and likeable personality more than made up for the fact that he had never actually raced in Formula One. In total, he covered more than 350 Formula One grand prix and delivered his last live commentary of the grand prix in 2007, which was for BBC radio when he was 83.

Murray led an interesting life. By the time he took up commentary on a full-time basis, he had enjoyed a successful career in marketing, which he retired from at age 59. In this period, he had held significant accounts for multinationals such as British Rail, Vauxhall and Mars. Never one to take the spoils from others, he denies conceiving the slogan, 'A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play'—sorry to do an advertisement—saying he was only an administrator on this project. Prior to this, his war service saw him command a Sherman tank and participate in the Battle of the Reichswald. He left the Army having attained the rank of captain.

Even though the race moved to Melbourne, Adelaide's love affair for Murray never waned. Continual references to our excellent street circuit in his commentary, even while in Melbourne, eventually made way for his return visits as part of the Adelaide 500. Taking nothing away from the great drivers of the V8 series, on a number of occasions Murray was actually the true star of the track.

Many of us were so happy to have our old friend back and keen to hear what he thought of our touring car event and, well, he did not disappoint. He referred to the Adelaide 500 as the best touring car race in the world. Coming from someone who had once travelled every corner of the globe, his endorsement was really something special and, in some ways, helped take away part of the pain we felt from the loss of the grand prix.

Just as we have immortalised the memory of the great Barry Sheene through the naming of the pit straight, let's hope that when the race returns we can go that extra step and commemorate something special to the wonderful life of Murray Walker. Bartels Road, representing the longest section of the track, I think would be a logical choice. Hopefully, it is not too long before we see cars fly down Walker Straight as our way of saying thanks to this great man.

While I mention the love we had for Murray, my thoughts are with his true love, Elizabeth, whom he married in 1959, and the special role she played in his life. On behalf of a very grateful South Australia, I thank you both.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.G.E. Hood.

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