Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to pay tribute to a great local hero, Phil Wilson, who sadly passed away after a short illness. Phil dedicated an amazing 60 years of service to the Oakleigh District Football Club, starting with the under-16s in 1957, playing in the under-17s as seniors—both football and cricket—being a secretary of the juniors and the seniors, being a life member of the club in 1969, being a life member of the Federal Football League in 1981 and being on the club committee from 1968 to 2010—an amazing record.

Phil passed away in relative comfort, I am advised by club stalwarts, with a small number of both his families—natural and club—in attendance. True to the end, he never complained or had a negative or bad word about anyone, or anything.

His service was held in Oakleigh, of course, and was attended by approximately 350 people, many from the club and surrounding football leagues. I am advised that the wake was a massive affair, with everybody going back to the club. Phil's niece spoke of his love of family and the club and, as a bachelor, it was thought that he was more or less married to the club.

There were also many people representing lots of clubs, the football community and the broader Oakleigh community where Phil is a legend. The club unveiled a photo along with his commemorative service record and a large sign renaming the bar as the Phil E Wilson Bar—a nice touch, and one I am sure Phil would appreciate.

Phil was a naturally shy and retiring type but we managed to have a service for him before he went so we could actually say these things to him in person. I want to say thank you to a tremendous member of our community for a life of service. (Time expired)