A Community Recognition Statement is an opportunity for an MP to give a short speech praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Statement, please email and let me know!

ROD MURPHY

Ms JODIE HARRISON(Charlestown)On 24 March this year, Hunter businessand the Charlestown Electorate communitylost a titan. Mr Rod Murphy, who founded a fabrication business in Gateshead called R&R Murphy, passed away suddenly. Rod leaves behind a bright legacy. R&R Murphy, which has won business awards on the local and national stage, is considered to be a trailblazer in innovation. Rod, who emigrated to Australia from England, was a pioneer in his field, a man with a community-focused mind and an entrepreneurial spirit. Rod worked at Hunter companies before he and his wife Rosemarie partnered with another couple to start their business on a dirt factory floor. The company initially made Cleanaway bins and road tanker bodies before moving into mining and Defence contracting work when, to combat a business downturn, they expanded their business. I met with Rod on several occasions at functions and at his factory, and was always energised by our conversation. His enthusiasm, vision and energy was remarkable and infectious. Hunter industry is all the better for his input, and is saddened by his passing. My condolences to Rosemarie and their children, Grant and Zoe, for their loss.