CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Mr HUSIC (Chifley) (16:21): You think you know someone, and you always discover a surprise. I knew Gayle Barbagallo for decades, and it was only recently that I discovered that one of her favourite animals was an elephant. We associate long memories with elephants—that's all well known—but an attribute that also stood out for Gayle was that they looked after the group, they thought as a group, and they looked after the vulnerable.
Long memories, think as a group, look after those in need—these were attributes that Gayle displayed quite often. We recently farewelled Gayle where I learned about her love of elephants and we were reminded about these attributes, and we were reminded about how much she loved our community. She didn't seek recognition for all her hard work; she just got on with helping people.
She was a proud, longstanding member of our Labor family and served as the President of the Chifley Federal Electorate Council for many years. She also served on the state electorate council, particularly with Richard Amery, the former state member. She demonstrated this thoughtful, compassionate leadership that was grounded with a genuine desire to make our community stronger.
She devoted decades to community service. She facilitated the St Mary's creative writers group, and created a welcoming space where people found confidence and friendship and their own voice. She chaired the Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, ensuring people doing it tough would have access to justice and support at times they needed.
Through the Rotary Club of Mt Druitt, she just rolled up her sleeves and helped out whenever the community needed her. One of her greatest legacies was her decade of volunteering at Mount Druitt Hospital—whether through fundraising, supporting patients or helping visitors feel less alone, she always found ways to bring comfort to people. That extraordinary commitment to serving others was recognised when she received the 2018 Coral McLean Award, an honour that reflected exactly who she was.
Beyond the titles and achievements, Gayle was a devoted wife, a loving mum, a cherished nana—a great nana—and, as mentioned in the beautiful tribute written by her granddaughter Sophia, it wasn't awards or committees that stood out; it was the Mondays spent drawing together, baking at Easter, laughing on the backyard swing and the simple joy of making a child feel endlessly loved.
In an overflowing church, countless people came to say goodbye, and it spoke volumes about the impact Gayle had. I was incredibly fortunate to have known and worked alongside Gayle Barbagallo for so many years. Thank you for everything you did, Gayle.
Please rest in peace and know we will always honour your legacy as generously as you cared for us and others.