Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (17:39): I speak in the House today to pay my deepest respects to Keith Kent, OAM, who recently passed away at the age of 97. I had the honour and great privilege of knowing Keith for many years. He was a community champion and a very dear and loyal friend. A true gentleman, Keith was always very respectful, courteous and extremely kind. Keith demonstrated unwavering integrity, chivalry and humility. There was never a better dressed man than Keith Kent. No matter the occasion, he always wore a suit in neutral or brown shades, preferring respectability over comfort.

Keith had a natural ease and authenticity that made others feel relaxed in his presence. I recall Keith's genuine, warm laugh and his keen sense of humour. Keith was a man of his word, a man who believed in service to others above all else. Early on, it was as if fate had a plan for Keith. As a young child, helping his father work a gold sluice on a section of the Manilla River, Keith was caught in the surging torrent and swept downstream to what appeared certain death. But he survived, and the rest, as they say, is history. Keith would go on to make enormous contributions to his community for the rest of his life.

We are all very grateful for that. Later in life, fate intervened again. Keith and his beloved late wife, Muriel, were both born in Brisbane only a street apart. It was 23 years later that they would meet for the very first time on a blind date at the Liverpool Ambulance Ball, fall in love and get married. Muriel lived in south-west Sydney and was from the Gavin family, who were well known in the local area. Keith and Muriel would live in Waratah Crescent, Macquarie Fields, for 28 years, raising their three children, Jennifer, Graham and Malcolm. Keith and Muriel were married for 62 years and had a wonderful marriage. Theirs was a true partnership.

Keith would describe their years together as bliss. Contributing to community was a virtue they both shared deeply. In his early days, Keith was heavily involved in scouting. However, he is best known for his involvement in Lions Club International. The motto of Lions is "We Serve", and Keith was the embodiment of that motto. Keith joined the Lions Club of Liverpool in 1962 and the Lions Club of Ingleburn in 1976. In 2008 Keith was awarded the Lions Clubs International Ambassador of Goodwill for his service. Only 40 of those awards are given out each year worldwide. On the fiftieth anniversary of Lions, Keith was given the Freedom of the City key. He also received a New South Wales community award in 2018. Apart from Lions, Keith was involved in a number of community organisations, from scouts to local P&Cs and various council committees and the like. Keith made contributions to many aspects of community life.

In 2020 Keith received his OAM, honouring his longstanding commitment to the local community and a lifetime of service to others. Keith once told me that there can be no better thing than a person giving their talent, time and energy for their local community. "Hear, hear!" I say to Keith. I fondly recall meeting Keith at his home in Ingleburn. He was dressed immaculately. For Keith, dressing casual meant doing away with a tie. There was always a cup of tea and a biscuit served on Muriel's best china, no less. Keith kept Muriel's memory alive for as long as he lived. Keith was a proud and a very committed Labor man, although he would not always wear it on his sleeve. Keith had a quiet, unwavering belief in a fair go for all. His own life experience taught him the importance of a second chance and seeing the best in others.

Keith also knew the value and dignity in work. Keith started out by helping his father, who had retired from the army into a greengrocer venture. Later, Keith was employed at Riverstone Meatworks until he joined Liverpool City Council in 1962. He then went on to be a records manager at Prospect County Council. Keith lived independently up until his death, surrounded by those who loved him most. Our community will forever be grateful for Keith's contribution and service. I extend my sincere condolences to the Keith's family, Jennifer and Bill, Graham and Francis, Malcolm and Karen. Keith was also a much-loved grandfather and great grandfather. I will always cherish my fond memories of Keith, a true gentleman and a loyal friend to the end, now reunited with his beloved Muriel. They are together once more. I will read a passage from the booklet at his funeral, which I attended earlier this week. It says:

We thank you for the privilege of knowing Keith, sharing time with him, enjoying the warmth of his friendship. May his spirit and warmth of friendship remain with us always.

For those who had the chance to know Keith and be in his company, his friendship and his spirit will always remain with us. Rest in peace Keith Kent, OAM.