SOUTH-EAST: Vale John Delzoppo
Premier Jacinta Allan last week paid tribute in State Parliament to the life of John Delzoppo.
“ In his very first words in this place John spoke about service, about the privilege and the duty that comes with serving in this place, but John’s sense of service was not just confined to the pages of Hansard; it is how he lived all of his 92 years,” Ms Allan said.
“For a country boy, John began with suburban roots, born in Flemington and educated in Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds and Melbourne.
“It was on Boxing Day 1954 when John and his wife Beth moved to Neerim South, and it was there that they found their true community.
“It was, as John would say later in his life, the most fortunate thing to ever happen. “John began his service to his community first as their local pharmacist, and soon enough he put his hand up for another role and then another and then
another.
“The list is long but barely scratches the surface. John served as inaugural president of the Neerim South High School council, life member and president of the Neerim District Soldiers Memorial Hospital, vice-president of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, as Buln Buln Shire President on three separate occasions and as a local councillor for close to 20 years from 1966 to 1986.
“Attentive members of this chamber may note that that last stint of service cut across John’s election as the member for Narracan in 1982.
“For almost four years John juggled being a member of this place, a local councillor and a shadow minister before choosing to focus on what I feel, and I am sure colleagues agree, to be the most impactful level of government.
“For John, his service to his community was only bettered by his service to our state. “As he himself described, responsibility to his party came third, responsibility to his constituents came second and responsibility to our democracy came first and always. “He served Vic-toria and its Parliament in a number of capacities – in shadow portfolios across transport, local government, water and services, and then as Speaker between 1992 and 1996.
“It was also as Speaker that John revived the historic garb of the role, donning the formal gown and wig of the Westminster tradition.
“As I have mentioned, John held many titles over the course of his lifetime, none more precious than that of husband, dad and grandfather. “To his wife Beth of 69 years – so committed I believe to John’s cause that Beth once doorknocked the entire township of Yallourn – and to their four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we extend our heartfelt condolences.
“On behalf of our Parliament and our state, thank you for sharing him with us. Vale, John Delzoppo.”
Pictured: John Delzoppo