Mr DONALD PAGE (Ballina—Minister for Local Government, and Minister for the North Coast) [3.10 p.m.]: As Minister for Local Government, I pay tribute to Councillor Janet Hayes, Vice-President of the Local Government and Shires Associations, who passed away last Thursday, aged 63. Janet Hayes had been a councillor on Kempsey Shire Council since 1998, serving as deputy mayor in the same year and serving as mayor between 2001 and 2006. During her time as Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council she was an active member of the Pacific Highway Taskforce and qualified as an emeritus mayor. Prior to her election to Kempsey Shire Council she served as a councillor on Crookwell Shire Council. Councillor Hayes was elected as an A Division representative to the Shires Association executive in 2005. She was elected as vice-president (junior) in 2009 and re-elected to that position in 2011. Her interest in and commitment to rural and regional New South Wales communities was undeniable, and her energy and achievements were commendable.

Janet's achievements include being one of two New South Wales executive members on the National Sea Change Taskforce, a member of the Mid North Coast Regional Development Board and an administrator of the Kempsey Showground Trust. She was chair of the board of Community Housing Mid North Coast and a member of the Natural Resources Advisory Council, providing advice to government on sustainable natural resource management. She was also on the Regional Communities Consultative Committee, making recommendations to the State Government about ways in which the Government and rural and regional communities could work together. She was also a member of the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council, advising the Minister for the Environment on a range of topics. On behalf of all members, I offer our condolences to Janet's family and acknowledge her wonderful contribution to her community over such an extended period.

Mrs BARBARA PERRY (Auburn) [3.12 p.m.]: On behalf of Opposition members I convey our condolences to the family of Janet Hayes, who passed away last Thursday. I was lucky enough to meet and work with Janet in my capacity as Minister for Local Government. She was an incredibly supportive woman. I will never forget the kindness that she showed to me or her advice. She was full of colour and was a vibrant, vital person who was passionate and proud of her area. Her passing is a great loss to us all, particularly to those who live in the Macleay Valley—an area that she loved and was so passionate about. She did everything she could do to ensure that area flourished.

Janet was a committed and natural mentor to other women and she was an extremely committed local government member. The former Director General of Local Government, Gary Payne, who was shocked by Janet's passing, said, "She's exactly the type of person you want in local government." As we know, Janet served on Kempsey Shire Council. She believed that local governments are at their best when they are serving their local communities and bringing their communities together. Janet was an instrumental force in strengthening the mid North Coast group of councils. As we have heard, she was a division representative. She was focused on economic development and on preserving the environment for the enjoyment of future generations.

Janet was passionate about public education and about disability services. Janet was also an advocate for organ donation and of course—in true Janet style—she donated her organs to help others. Janet will be remembered for her work in restoring the Kempsey Showground. It was a significant project, which included refurbishing the Jubilee Hall, and restoring and extending other housing for use by Meals on Wheels. Janet is survived by her four children, Tom, Amy, Liz and Jack. I am very sorry for their loss and am grateful their mother touched my life.