Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to a stalwart of the Limestone Coast community, Mr Fred Lindsay Ellis, who recently passed away. A family man, a community man and a farmer, Fred Ellis was also one of the last remaining World War II veterans of the Limestone Coast. He joined the Royal Australian Navy when he was 17 and served as an able seaman on HMAS Cowra, searching for sea mines around southern Australia, the Solomon Islands and New Guinea.

Following his service, Fred married Kathleen, and after a few years they acquired a grazing block at Canunda, near Millicent, in the south-east; there they raised six children. Life on the farm presented its challenges, especially schooling for the children. Like all great Aussie farmers, Fred and Kath were resilient and innovative. They had no telephone for the first four years until they built their own line, running a mile and half across to connect to the nearest service. It took 10 years before they had a proper road to town. Rabbit control was a priority. They trapped, fumigated and ripped but also had fun spotlighting at night as a family. Family was essential to everything they did. Whether it was rabbit control, shearing, land marking or cattle work, everyone pitched in.

Throughout his life, Fred was deeply involved in the community. He contributed to public affairs, schools, sports, church activities, the Caledonian society, the lodge, the RSL and the agricultural bureau of which he was a life member. He served two terms as a Millicent district councillor in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was a justice of the peace for 30 years, retiring at the age of 80. He was the longest-serving member of the Lions Club of Millicent, with a herculean 58 years of dedication, which also earned him life membership. Fred was instrumental in the formation of the Lions Club of Keith. Fred drove his Holden Statesman—with no bull bar—to Keith every fortnight for 12 months until the club finally got up and running. Fred, as a good Methodist, reckoned God was always on his side, and he never hit a roo on the way home. In 2015, Fred was honoured to be named Millicent senior citizen of the year in recognition of his service to the community.

Fred Ellis was a humble, generous and caring man dedicated to his family, his farm and his community. Fred's life was one of purpose and dedication. His strength, humility and kindness touched all who knew him, leaving a lasting impact. Fred's legacy continues to inspire me, as I know it does so many others in the Limestone Coast community. Vale, Fred Lindsay Ellis,