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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 11 Hansard (21 October) . . Page.. 3516 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

After serving a cadetship with BHP in Newcastle, Merv worked with Caltex and later with Ampol. His work with Ampol brought him to Canberra in 1972 and that is when I first met him. He retired from that company in 1990.

Mr Speaker, Merv's love of sport and of his children soon found him working with the youth of the district. He was an active office-bearer in the scout movement and he was a prime mover in the development of the then new guide hall in Hawker. He made many friends through his natural role as a good Samaritan. I say "natural role" because Merv did not have to be prompted to help people; he just saw it as the natural thing to do.

Merv and Dorothy lived opposite my family in Weetangera and we became the closest of friends. Our children were like family to each other. In fact, a favourite watch of mine remains forever buried in the foundations of a neighbour's home, courtesy of our two sons. When Merv joined Belconnen Rotary in 1974, our friendship was further cemented. He served as president and was awarded two Paul Harris Fellowships for his diligence and care of all things in Rotary. Members may be aware that the Paul Harris Fellowship is a symbol of the highest level of recognition in Rotary.

Arguably the greatest service that Mervyn Leo Adams gave to Canberra was in the establishment of the trash and treasure market at Jamison in Belconnen. This Canberra institution has now celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary and has distributed between $21/2m and $3m to ACT charities and other worthy causes. Merv was a guiding light in bringing the idea of the trash and treasure market to fruition and he worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

Mr Speaker, I have no hesitation in suggesting that the ACT owes Merv the most sincere vote of thanks for his work in this area alone. In the years after his retirement, Merv took the opportunity to see more of his beloved country, but he never lost his love of God, his family and the people he chose to serve. Mr Speaker, I wish to read to members the motto and prayers which led Merv's life and which he has passed on to his family:

Mr Speaker, the Territory will be a lesser place for the loss of Merv Adams. I would like to place on public record the sincerest condolences of the parliament to Dorothy and his family. I am sure that Merv has been called to a greater office with the Lord, being able to organise a trash and treasure market in heaven. Mate, thanks for the memories.

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