Private Members' Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (12:34): I extend a warm welcome to Arthur Porter to the Chamber today. One of the great privileges of being a member of Parliament is in the people one meets—genuine, community-minded individuals who work hard, give generously and make valuable contributions to their local areas.

Minto's Laurie Porter was one such person. A community stalwart, a tireless and passionate campaigner for local heritage and a dedicated champion of Minto, Laurie was a fighter to the end. Sadly, Laurie's life ended too soon and she passed away at the age of 64 on 23 August after battling breast cancer. But Laurie's legacy lives on in the preservation of heritage in Minto and the wider Campbelltown area.

Laurie spent years campaigning to save the historic St James Anglican Church from demolition. Her efforts were rewarded when the site was officially added to the local heritage register. This was no mean feat. The preservation of St James Anglican Church was the result of Laurie's tenacity, her steadfast commitment to preserving local heritage and her gritty, yet quiet, determination. It was a victory not only for the church and local heritage but also for ordinary folk who go to extraordinary lengths to stand up for their beliefs and their community. In achieving that victory, humble and unassuming Laurie Porter became a local hero.

But Laurie was always a champion for Minto. Having lived in the suburb for more than 35 years, Laurie dedicated time and energy to many local causes and was a proud supporter of Minto Public School, where both her sons attended. Laurie was heavily involved in the school's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2017, and she wrote a book detailing the history of Minto Public School and the suburb itself.

I had the pleasure of knowing Laurie for many years but our paths crossed again over the ongoing fight to save the highly selective Hurlstone Agricultural High School at Glenfield, where one of Laurie's sons had attended. It was a school with a list of distinguished alumni, a fully functioning farm and a proud 90-year history at Glenfield. The school copped a dud deal when, in late 2015, the State Liberal Government announced it would sell off the Hurlstone Farm to developers, despite previous reassurances to my community that it would not sell a metre of the school's land. The Government's betrayal was the catalyst for my Hands Off Hurlstone campaign. Laurie knew—as I did—that the Liberal Government's decision over Hurlstone was nothing more than a greedy land grab. The fight to save Hurlstone was a fight we shared. Laurie would spend hours meticulously poring over documents at the local library to take up the fight. Once a fighter, always a fighter: that was my dear friend, Laurie Porter.

Laurie also fought for the preservation of the historic Campbellfield House—also called Redfern's Cottage—and she created a pamphlet commemorating the 200th anniversary of Dr William Redfern's land grant in Minto. Besides championing local causes, Laurie was a talented artist. Laurie's renowned pencil sketches highlighted her passion for local historic buildings.

A keen crochet fan, Laurie had pieces featured and awarded at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Laurie was extremely proud of her in-laws' long history in Minto. The Porters have called the suburb home since 1897.

But Laurie's own place in the history of Minto was being created as her battles continued. I had the honour of presenting Laurie with a New South Wales Community Service Award in late August, acknowledging her contributions to the local community. Laurie often shunned the limelight, preferring to shine the light on others or the causes she championed.

I was very humbled to be a pall bearer at Laurie's funeral. It was an honour to pay my respects to a wonderful, kind and courageous woman who did so much for our local community.

Laurie is survived by her husband, Arthur, children, Ian and Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn.

My thoughts and prayers are with Laurie's family and friends at this time whom I know miss her terribly.

One of my fondest memories of Laurie is of her walking along Pembroke Road in Minto, as she often did, on her way to the shops. She would be wearing her favourite denim dress with a cardigan or jacket and a hat protecting her from the sun, and she would be carrying a tote bag. It is an image I will carry with me each time I drive along Pembroke Road, Minto on my way to and from the electorate office.

I will always remember Laurie's passion for our local heritage, her dedication to Minto and her enduring fighting spirit. It is these qualities that will inspire me every day, as the local member of Parliament, to stand up for our community and fight for our fair share, just as Laurie did throughout her life. I know Laurie will be watching on. Rest in peace, my dear friend.