Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's with deep sadness that I rise to acknowledge the passing of Edna Wilde OAM, a cherished resident of Marsfield, who left us on Tuesday 6 August. Edna was approaching her 95th birthday, a milestone that reflects only a fraction of her remarkable life.

Edna was the loved wife of Allan Wilde, dearest friend of Jim Hull, mother of Lynette, Colleen and Pamela, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 14. Edna was a passionate community advocate, serving as a Ryde city councillor for 34 years. She holds the extraordinary distinction of being the only female mayor of Ryde, serving three terms, from 1980 to 1982, 1999 to 2000 and 2002 to 2004. Her journey as a community activist began when she rallied against council's plans to use Dunbar Park as a new waste dump. Well, she stopped that and just kept on giving back to her community. Her ongoing service culminated in her being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000 for her contributions to local government and the Ryde community.

Many will fondly remember Edna as the driving force behind the Ryde Eisteddfod, an institution she nurtured for many years. It's only fitting that the new concert hall at Top Ryde will bear her name—a lasting tribute to her unwavering commitment to our community. Vale, Edna Wilde.