STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr PIKE (Bowman) (16:34): I rise today to acknowledge the life and legacy of a remarkable Redlander, Mr Dan Holzapfel, who passed away recently at the extraordinary age of 103. Mr Holzapfel was born into one of Mount Cotton's pioneering German farming families. His family established citrus orchards and later grew tomatoes.

He eventually operated a farm of his own at Capalaba, growing potatoes and watermelons, before moving into turf production. But Dan's extraordinary contribution went well beyond farming. He served three terms as a councillor on the Redland Shire Council between 1964 and 1973, and gave generously of his time to Rotary, the chamber of commerce, the progress association and other community organisations.

His generosity through the Rotary Foundation was particularly extraordinary. Dan became one of Australia's largest donors to the global fight against polio, helping support vaccination programs that contributed to the eradication of that devastating disease. Despite his immense generosity, Dan lived a remarkably simple and modest life.

At his 100th birthday, I had the pleasure of having a good chat to Mr Holzapfel, and I know firsthand the quiet humility, generosity and strength of character that made him so respected across the city of the Redlands. His life spanned more than a century of remarkable change, yet he remained grounded in the values of service, community and kindness. I extend my deepest condolences to Dan's family and friends.

The Redlands has lost a true pioneer, gentleman and servant leader.