STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms TRISH COOK (Bullwinkel) (16:19): I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable constituent from Bullwinkel, Barry Howard, who recently passed away after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease. He utilised the WA law of voluntary assisted dying. I first met Barry and his wonderful wife, Barbara, when she contacted my office seeking assistance to help them navigate their aged-care packages.

I visited Barry and Barbara in their homes several times and had the privilege of learning about his life. It was a quiet life dedicated to service, hard work and deep community spirit. Born in the Wheatbelt town of Dalwallinu, Barry was a true jack of all trades.

He dedicated 32 years to Transperth, earned a diploma in transport management and never met a problem he couldn't fix. He met Barbara in 1957 and was married in 1964, raising three beautiful children. Barry's life was defined by helping others.

He was a lifelong St John's ambulance officer, an Army Reserve medic and a life member of the Gidgegannup Agricultural Society. Even in retirement, he was happiest on his 135 Fergie tractor, weeding the garden and volunteering. Barry was diagnosed at 80 with MND, and he faced this cruel disease with dignity.

His voluntary passing, along with the recent deeply felt loss of AFL legend and MND champion Neale Daniher, reminds us all of the urgent need to find a cure for MND. Rest in peace, Barry.