9TH MAY 2024 - LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY - NSW PARLIAMENT

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (18:07): I highlight the extraordinary contributions of a distinguished member of our community, Mr David Jones of Sussex Inlet. For over 60 years David has devoted himself tirelessly to volunteer service, significantly impacting education, community safety, local development and social cohesion. His legacy is a testament to the power of dedicated civic engagement and the profound influence one individual can have on the fabric of a community.

David's journey of service began after his education at North Wollongong Technical College, where from 1954 to 1958 he honed his skills, which later paved the way for his professional endeavours. Beginning in 1958, he embarked on a four-year apprenticeship in industrial engraving, stepping into a pivotal role as the director and manager of Wollongong Engraving Co. in 1967. Under David's stewardship, the company flourished for the next 25 years. In 1965 David married his wife of 59 years, Kathleen, better known as Kate. David is adamant that all his achievements and work in the community have been a team effort, with Kate supporting him in all his endeavours.

David and Kate have volunteered in many capacities, including serving as the president of various P&C associations from Balgownie to Keira and Smith's Hill high schools, and even the Illawarra district P&C association where David is a life member. David's roles extended to broader educational support as a South Coast regional councillor for the New South Wales P&C association and he was a valued member of several boards including West Wollongong TAFE and Bulli Hospital.

In 1988 David transitioned from managing director of Wollongong Engraving to a role that would leverage his vast experience for community benefit when he became a community development officer for the New South Wales Department of Education until his retirement in 2000. For over 12 years David worked diligently to enhance educational environments and support school communities across a vast region, working with schools from Helensburgh to Eden and as far west as Deniliquin. During that time, David and Kate made the move from Wollongong to Sussex Inlet in 1979 where David's volunteer work truly defined his character and commitment.

Perhaps most notably, David has been a steadfast volunteer with Marine Rescue for over 45 years. He has been a monumental figure in that organisation, serving in roles ranging from Sussex Inlet division administration officer to unit commander for 28 years. David's leadership extended regionally and nationally, and he became a regional officer and then a regional director, and ultimately a chairman of the board of directors covering four States.

David's commitment was crucial during the 2001 bushfires in Sussex Inlet where his leadership and foresight helped guide the community through one of its most challenging periods. In recognition of his valiant efforts during those

critical times, he was awarded the emergency service medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours list of 2004.

David's influence extends deeply into community life in Sussex Inlet. He was the founding president of the Sussex Inlet Community Forum and led the Together We Can Do It initiative in the 1990s, which was instrumental in helping the community plan and prepare for the future. His leadership in the Sussex Inlet Men's Shed and his role as president of the Sussex Inlet Senior Citizens demonstrate his unwavering commitment to community. David and Kate have volunteered at the Inasmuch nursing home for the past 18 years where David has assisted Kate with cooking classes and conducted garden activities with residents. They are currently in the process of setting up a vegetable garden for residents of Inasmuch so they can make a contribution to their community through providing food to the local food pantry in Sussex Inlet.

David has been president of the Sussex Inlet Neighbourhood Centre for many years and in recent times the organisation has flourished under very difficult circumstances. The amazing organisation provides community transport, equipment hire, social support, weekly shopping and a hot meal once a week. There is no stopping David and Kate. Currently they are exploring setting up a dementia friends group in Sussex Inlet to support families, carers and friends impacted by the disease. I thank David and Kate on behalf of the whole community for their generosity of spirit and commitment to enhancing the world by dedicating their time and their volunteer efforts for the betterment of others.