Perin Davey (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) Share this | Hansard source

This afternoon, at St Nicholas Catholic Church in Tamworth, we will lay to rest Ralph Schulze. He was a tremendous man and a dedicated life member of the Nationals, but Ralph was more than just that. He is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of the Australian cotton industry, thanks to his work, dating all the way back to 1960, on agronomy trials. He was a true pioneer in this space. He led a life of service to his community, an effort he was duly and deservingly recognised for in 2015 when we was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to primary industry through research and innovation. Ralph's service and dedication to communities like Dubbo, Gwydir, Parkes, New England, Barwon and Tamworth demonstrated the passion he held for the regions throughout his life.

Importantly, Ralph's legacy and impact on the National Party is truly beyond comparison. He was a vice-chairman to successive state chairmen, a trustee, a long-term central councillor and member of our central executive. On behalf of the entire Nationals family, I extend my condolences and say thank you to Ralph for his tireless efforts for this country and for our party. Ralph was a man whom we should all look to as an example of what can be accomplished in the course of one's lifetime. It's truly inspiring. He graced us with his kindness and knowledge. For those who knew him well, the indelible impact he has had will not be forgotten. Ralph will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.