Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last month Wendy Folvig OAM, a West Australian pioneer and volunteer extraordinaire, passed away after a life led with great grace, humour and compassion. Wendy Folvig moved from Perth to Yeelirrie Station, north-east of Wiluna in the Western Desert, in 1929, and made her life and family there until 1972, when the property was acquired for what was to be a uranium mine.

The pastoral lease was first established by her family, the Finches, in 1924. It would be hard to visualise how challenging life would have been in this rugged, remote terrain. Wendy loved the wild, beautiful country and developed a reputation as a great lady who spread kindness and courtesy to all.

Wendy received the OAM for her more than 60 years of active service with the Country Women's Association, serving as president and secretary of various branches and editor of the CWA magazine. She was also life member of the National Trust, being involved as a committee member and active volunteer for 25 years. My very special memory is when she attended a soiree at my place, at the age of 92, and absolutely refused a seat, saying that she was quite capable of standing up and mixing with the crowd.

To Gus, Richard, Kirsten and all the family, I know you will miss Wendy hugely. (Time expired)