I rise today to speak on the sad passing of a leader in the Pine Rivers community, Mrs Betty Blake. While I did not have the honour of personally knowing Betty Blake, I would like to acknowledge the great legacy that she has left behind in Pine Rivers. Betty moved to the Pine Rivers area in 1987 to enjoy a quiet and peaceful retirement with her husband, Tom Blake. At this time, the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre was being established and Betty offered her assistance to the project. A founding member of the centre, Betty also established the community information and referral service and used her skills as a former legal secretary in New South Wales to write funding submissions for the centre. Betty also oversaw many activities and was secretary to the management committee.

In 1994 Betty succeeded in one of her biggest achievements: she led a successful campaign to raise money for a new building at the centre which was desperately needed for its growing services. This building is named in her honour, recognising her commitment to the community, and is now known as the Betty Blake Building. In 2003 Betty also became the first life member of the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Association in recognition of her work within the association.

In 1995 Betty was also recognised for the assistance that she provided to people in need by receiving a Premier’s Award Certificate of Achievement. In 1996 Betty, along with David Horstmann, current president of Youth Care Pine Rivers, and Pat Matthews, a community health nurse, developed the Dad’s Caring for Kids program, which has been run at the Pine Rivers Community Health Centre for the past 14 years. This service was established to help the increasing number of fathers who came into the neighbourhood centre. This course was so successful that it won the exalted Adult Learners Outstanding Program 1998.

Betty was also president of Youth Care Pine Rivers, an organisation that conducts vital work in helping young homeless people in crisis. Betty was a founding member of the steering committee and had been a member of the management committee since 1988. Betty’s commitment to Youth Care Pine Rivers was officially recognised in 2000 when she was made a life member.

Betty Blake’s funeral was attended by many local residents who wanted to take the opportunity of honouring Betty’s great work and remembering a wonderful and caring person. I spoke with Fiona McNamara, a volunteer of the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre executive. Fiona has said that Betty was a person who was renowned for her tireless work for those less fortunate than herself. Fiona hopes other people follow Betty’s lead and show the same dedication to our community. David Horstmann said at the funeral that he was filled with pride to be able to say that he was richer for the experience of knowing and working with Betty.

I believe that it is important to acknowledge Betty Blake’s commitment to the welfare of others over such a long period of time and to show appreciation for her involvement in the creation of two important organisations in the Pine Rivers community. It is clear from her great work that Betty will be greatly missed by everyone in the Pine Rivers community.