Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly) [5.45 p.m.]: I speak to honour the many women across New South Wales, pay tribute to some friends, and honour families for their courage in enduring breast cancer. This week is Breast Cancer Awareness Week. One in 11 women in Australia will develop breast cancer before the age of 75. The outlook for the disease has improved greatly over the years, with the survival rate now up around 90 per cent. I certainly pay tribute to organisations such as the Cancer Council of New South Wales and the National Breast Cancer Foundation and to the many scientists across the country who have helped to find treatments to fight the disease. In many respects, to me they are the true heroes of this nation. Awards are not enough to express the gratitude we owe them.
However, many women do not survive, and many families lose their mums, their wives, their aunts, their grandmas and their friends to breast cancer every day. Many of us know people who are battling as I speak. I wish to discuss three people who are very special to me. One is Audrey Myrden, who is a Manly mum. I pay tribute to her, her husband, Barry, and their three sons. She was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago and was successfully treated. However, she is now battling an aggressive brain tumour. Audrey's extraordinary positivity and energy have inspired the Manly community to rally behind her in a true show of community spirit. I was honoured to attend an event a couple of months ago, "Audrey's Wish", to raise funds to support Audrey in her wish that her boys will be provided for, should the disease be impossible to fight. As Audrey wrote in her blog earlier this year:
One of the most difficult practical challenges I face with this disease is the instability of the financial future for my children if I do not survive. As a previous cancer survivor I am not eligible for life insurance, and I am unable to do any continuing work whilst being treated I am doing all I can to fight this horrible disease.
After the event, at which $150,000 was raised from the local community, she said:
The thing that still puts a smile on my face is knowing that a whole team of people decided to do this for me and my family I feel so blessed to have so many very special friends It has made this battle much easier knowing I am not in it alone.
I wish to remind Audrey that she is not alone. The Manly community is very much behind her. We are inspired by her. We continue to marvel at the way she conducts herself, in spite of the most incredible difficulty she is facing. She is a tribute to courage itself.
I also acknowledge another close friend of mine, the local Mayor of Manly, Jean Hay, who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. Recently Jean attended a free screening at the mobile screening unit in Keirle Park in Manly with many other local women. She did not expect the mammogram to be anything but all clear. However, a lump was found. Last week Jean underwent surgery. The incredible thing about it is that while we wait for the prognosis, she continues to fight. She is a fighter. She has served the community. I cannot pay tribute to her achievements by listing them during the time available for my speech.
Jean Hay is an icon of the Manly community. She has inspired many others. All of us join with her in this battle. We are incredibly lucky to have somebody like Jean Hay in public office—someone who is respected so highly in our community. Now as she faces this next battle, we just want her to know that we are with her, just as we are with Audrey in her battle. I admire the way she has conducted herself. Even today when I spoke to her, she was back at her desk while she awaits the news. That is testament to someone who knows nothing but public service and exhibits incredible courage.
In conclusion, I pay tribute to a friend who is across the seas. Her name is Deb and she is married to Tim. Tim and Deb Hedberg are dear friends of mine whom I met when I was studying at the University of British Columbia in 1995-96. Deb is the essence of life. You cannot get a nicer person than Deb Hedberg. What she does is care about every other person on this planet more than she cares about herself. Her kids adore her, the community adores her, and I want to tell her that I adore her. Back in July I had the chance to see her. The seven or eight months she had been through, no-one should have to endure.
When I hugged her I reminded her that she was not alone. Her eyes looked resilient, but obviously the cancer had taken something out of her. I want Tim and Deb to know that she is not alone. Like Audrey and Jean, Deb gives me confidence, inspiration and courage. Breast cancer must be removed from society. I acknowledge the challenge facing many women across this State, like the three friends I have identified today. I pay tribute to the many charities scientists, health professionals and individuals who give money to or work for the cause to take away the pain and the battles that these three women, and many women across New South Wales, face.
ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr Thomas George): I thank the member for Manly for that touching tribute.
Dr ANDREW McDONALD (Macquarie Fields—Parliamentary Secretary) [5.50 p.m.]: I thank the member for Manly for his private member's statement during Breast Cancer Awareness week. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women and denies many families of their future happiness. On behalf of the Government, I send our best wishes to Audrey Myrden, Jean Hay, Deb Hedberg and their loved ones. The story of these brave women is important to everyone in New South Wales. I thank the member for Manly for bringing it to the attention of the House.
