Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to Elysia Harverson, a much-loved member of my staff who last week, sadly, lost her battle with cancer. I first met Elysia in 2017, when she ran for the state seat of Collie-Preston. She didn't win against a long-term sitting member, but I was impressed by her commitment, courage and cheeky sense of humour, so I asked Elysia to join my team. After four years managing my Collie, Narrogin and Manjimup offices and advising me on media matters, Elysia went on maternity leave. While on leave she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. This would have knocked many of us for six, but she continued to serve as a Collie shire councillor. She continued as a director of the Collie River ValleyBulletin, a newspaper which she co-founded during the pandemic to champion Collie local voices. With all her achievements, it's hard to believe that Elysia was only 36 years of age.

However, her finest achievement was her devotion to her husband, Josh, and their beautiful two-year-old daughter, Nava. After Elysia's diagnosis, she and Josh decided to travel the world with Nava. Like many of Elysia's friends, I greatly enjoyed following her travels on Facebook, because they showed Elysia's unwavering faith, courage and strength.

My condolences go to Josh, Nava and all of Elysia's family and friends. Elysia's funeral will be held in Bunbury on Friday 6 September with a wake later at the Collie Golf Club. Vale, Elysia Harverson, one of the most energetic, brave and positive people I have ever known.