Gai Brodtmann (Canberra, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 1 July I officially welcomed Norfolk Island into my electorate of Canberra. I made it a priority to visit shortly after the election. It was not my first time to Norfolk Island. I have been to Norfolk Island more than a dozen times since I was elected as the member for Canberra, as it has been part of my electoral division. Every time I have visited I have been encouraged by the friendliness and the warmth of the community.

In particular, I was always pleased and delighted to land at Norfolk Island Airport because I knew that there to welcome me with a big smile and open arms would be William 'Yarm' Menzies. So I was deeply shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Yarm's recent and sudden passing. Yarm was a much loved member of the Norfolk Island community. Whether it was in sport, out fishing, with his family or with his community, he was always making a significant contribution with a huge smile on his face. A dedicated member of the Norfolk Island branch of the Labor Party, and an absolute champion of the reform process on the island, Yarm was a source of inspiration to all those who knew him. He had a joie de vivre. He had a fierce and abiding love of Norfolk Island and of his family. I placed a flower on Yarm's grave during my recent visit to Norfolk Island. Yarm will be very sorely missed. I said my farewells when I was bending over his grave. I extend my sincere condolences to his family—to his beloved wife, Sue; his children, Monica and Dylan; and his many grandchildren. (Time expired)