Gwen and Russell Deaves

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie)—Today I would like to recognise the work and service of a couple of real Lake Macquarie legends and tireless community volunteers Gwen and Russell Deaves. Gwen and Russell have dedicated their lives to helping our community and were on the board of trustees who established the Wyee Community Hall and have also been involved with the Rural Fire Service since the 1960s. Gwen recently clocked up 55 years of service with the Wyee RFS, while Russell, who is a founding member of the brigade has served with them for 63 years. This length of service is incredible rare and must be commended. In their younger days Gwen and Russell were out on the hoses, actively fighting fires, with Russell serving as Captain of the Brigade from 1965 to 1980 and today remain committed to the brigade. I have huge regard for Gwen and Russell, who have been personal friends of me and my family for may years, but this is not extraordinary, Gwen and Russell are true friends of the community and much loved by all.