Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Hansard source

It is with great sadness that I rise to acknowledge the life of Jean Lawrie, who passed away on 29 May, aged 95 years. Jean was born on 25 February 1928 and grew up on her parents' farm in the Hindmarsh Valley. She studied at teachers college and worked at Mount Compass and Smithfield primary schools. She later enlisted with the Women's Royal Army Corps and served with distinction as a corporal. She met the love of her life, Mac, and they raised their family in Port Adelaide. She was an exceptional sportswoman and a foundation member of the South Australian Women's Electric Light Cricket Association. She captained the Riverside women's team for 21 years and led them to an amazing 14 premierships. Jean was also a long-time supporter of the South Australian Women's Memorial Playing Field Trust and made an incredible contribution to the advancement of women's sport.

In 1968, Jean joined the Liberal Party and was one of our most dedicated and hardworking members. She stood as a candidate for Price, and for the federal seat of Port Adelaide a record seven times. In 1998, to her great credit, Jean received the Liberal Party's Meritorious Service Award and in 2016 she became only the 20th member of the South Australian Liberal Party to receive its Distinguished Service Award.

The Port Adelaide community and the Liberal Party will greatly miss Jean. I thank her for all the support that she provided me in my career in public life. My thoughts are with her family, especially her children Raelene, Sue and Jock. Rest in peace, my friend.