Brett Whiteley (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As the member for Bass will attest—and I make sure that any ministers or visitors get a chance to have a taste of that earthy Hellyers Road Distillery whiskey that is a part of the dream and vision of Laurie House. You would be forgiven, though, for thinking that milk and whisky production does not go hand in hand. Hellyers Road Distillery, however, is an award-winning distillery and is the world's bestselling Australian crafted single malt whiskey. Anyone who has come into my office, will know of that, and will have seen the top shelf of my Braddon produce display dedicated entirely to produce from this distillery. Laurie never got to come to Canberra to experience that, but he knew full-well that I was a great advocate for the Hellyers Road brand.

That man behind the milk had a side that far fewer Tasmanians saw. That side was dedicated to his family and local community. Laurie served the north-west through the Burnie Emu Bay Lions Club for over 28 years. He was a laugh a minute. He had a great sense of humour, was always up for a prank and was a great man to spend time with, and he loved spending time with people and enjoying their company. Laurie also used his standing in the business community to help others, supporting and sponsoring the McKenna Park Regional Hockey Complex, just to name one.

I remember that my father, when we had a local business, had a lot to do with Laurie House. He had such high regard for the man, and that was passed on to me. I have known nothing else than a gentleman and a man of great integrity and character who was always a great support to me. He always had something to say and always had some advice to give, but always delivered it with a smiling face.

Though Laurie will undoubtedly leave an enormous hole in the community on the North-West Coast, it is his family who will obviously feel the loss the most. Laurie and his wife, Pat, had four children together: Genevieve, Caroline, Eloise and James. Laurie was an uncle, a brother, a father and a deeply loved member of the House family. I pay particular tribute tonight to his wife, Pat. Laurie did not enjoy much of the best of health over many years. In fact, his health took a great toll physically some years ago when he lost both of his legs and he spent a considerable amount of time in a wheelchair. But his smile never left his face and his wife never left his side. Their companionship continued to leave a mark on all of those who watched on. What a tremendous couple and what a tremendous testimony to commitment and marriage Laurie and Pat were.

Both of these men, Lance Cox and Laurie House, shaped the North-West Coast in their own way and in their own lifetimes. It is with great sadness that their community farewells them, but they will both be remembered into the future for the role they had in changing our place and impacting our future on the North-West Coast of Tasmania. My thoughts and prayers, and this testimony of their lives in this place, go out to the families of both men. May they both rest in peace.

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