I rise to mourn and pay tribute to Mr Kenneth Jeffery, who sadly passed away on 31 May 2019. Amongst Ken’s many achievements, I think the one that defined him was as the Epping CFA captain, having joined the CFA as a volunteer more than 60 years ago. Ken, through many roles during his years of dedication and commitment to the CFA, helped build the brigade into the formidable organisation it is today. As a trainer, he particularly loved seeing the success of young people he trained, and many current CFA volunteers are grateful for his influence on their work.

I first met Ken 20 years ago in his role as the organiser of the ANZAC Day memorial march and dawn service on behalf of the Epping RSL. This was just another role that Ken took on and made his very own. His reciting of the ode was a very moving and heartfelt rendition and it was certainly the highlight of each dawn service. As an ex-serviceman himself Ken just loved to serve his community and enjoyed the camaraderie of the other RSL members. He once said:

“I’ve never been a person to make a big fuss about things; you do what you do for the community and you don’t go looking for awards”.

But the community did appreciate his work and Ken was awarded the City of Whittlesea Senior Citizen of the Year in 2014.

I want to give my sincere condolences to Ken’s wife Glenda; their children, Kirsten and Trisha; sons-in-law, David and Ross; and their four grandchildren. Vale, Ken Jeffery, who will be dearly missed. Certainly his legacy will live on, but things will never be the same.

Hansard link : Kenneth Jeffery