VALE EDWARD (FRANK) HIGGS OAM

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—I wish to pay tribute to Frank Higgs, a much-loved Maitland community member and beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Mr Higgs has served the community of Maitland in many different roles, as head of Maitland Land Office, as Maitland's district surveyor, and as a dedicated and loyal supporter of the Mai-Wel group. At Mai-Wel, Mr Higgs had a significant impact on the lives of people with disabilities in Maitland. His daughter Carolyn reflects that her dad only missed one major Mai-Wel event in his life. His reason, it was his wedding day. Mr Higgs served on the board at Mai-Wel for more than 50 years and held many positions in his time including a decade-long stint as president in the 1970s. He was appointed a life member in 1986. It is due to his great dedication to the community of Maitland, that in 2016 he was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia [OAM] for his service to people with disabilities. Mr Higgs is remembered as a resilient, caring, calm, measured and committed man who above all, loved his family. He will be greatly missed. VALE Frank Higgs.