I Queensland Legislative Assembly Number; - - - - - - - - Tobled O’ ©02 SEP 2021 ByiBoveD Clerk's Siqnature:,Z^^'^^*^^^;^ — ^Duncan Pegg 27.06.1980 -10.06.2021 Tributes and memories “The politician for the people” MP for Stretton (2015-2021) Thank you We have been overwhelmed with the support, care, and generosity offered by Duncan’s friends, colleagues, and constituents. Many beautiful and heartfelt tributes have been received, some of which are shared in the proceeding pages. We thank each and every person who has left a message for taking the time to do so. The following words and images provide a reflection of who Duncan was, and the many lives he touched. The Pegg family The Honourable Kevin Rudd AC 26th Prime Minister of Australia They don’t make local representatives more decent than Even when Duncan was in the fight of his life against Duncan Pegg. cancer, he poured every ounce of available strength into Duncan wasn’t lured into political life by ego or material fighting for his community. It’s not hard to find someone in gain; his overriding ambition was to improve the lives of the Stretton whose life was personally improved by people he served. Beneath his softly spoken exterior beat Duncan’s advocacy. the heart of a first-class fighter, driven by his commitment to When I went to visit Duncan at the Canossa Hospital last tolerance, equity and justice for all. week, we had a long conversation about his life and I knew Duncan for most of his life. As a young activist, contribution to local community. Duncan was enormously Duncan joined my team in the federal seat of Griffith to help proud of what he’d achieved for his local schools. He was defend fairness and multiculturalism against the rising forces also proud and passionate about the deep bonds he had of injustice and Hansonism. forged with his local multicultural communities. And he wanted, in particular, to be remembered to them. Over the past decade, it’s been my honour to return the favour by campaigning alongside Duncan for election To lose Duncan at such a young age is a profound loss and re-election to the seat of Stretton in the for the southside of Brisbane, for the parliament and for Queensland Parliament. Queensland as a whole. The communities of Stretton love Duncan dearly and recognise him as a man of authenticity, integrity and compassion. When I speak to members of the Chinese community on the southside, they sing Duncan’s praises. 2 3 Duncan at his Community Farewell with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd AC, Member for Rankin Dr Jim Chalmers, and Member for Ferny Grove Mark Furner 4 5 1 7 Duncan receives his Life Membership of the Australian Labor Party from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at his Community Farewell held at SUNPAC in April 2021 6 7 Gail MacPherson Former Labor Councillor for Runcorn and Karawatha Wards Words will never express the joy I’ve had supporting Duncan and being his friend - before and during his preselection in 2011 for Stretton; during the 2012 campaign; and again for the 2015 election and subsequent elections when he won with huge swings to him. Everyone was so happy for him. Duncan had a heart of gold, always kind and caring. I knew years ago he’d be the best ever MP for Stretton. He made so many friends over those years - people in the local community loved Duncan and he loved them because he was dedicated to helping people. He has left a legacy of kindness, humanity, and great humility. I’ll miss our long conversations and his sense of humour. He had long lasting friendships with so many, and was a passionate fighter for his community. Duncan showed that passion even when he was very ill, and bravely fighting to stay with us. He loved his dear family with that same passion, always giving and smiling. He’ll be smiling down at us with a twinkle in his eyes. I’ll never forget his beautiful smile - that’s how I’ll always remember Duncan. Rest in Peace and love dear Duncan, you’ll always be much loved and respected. Duncan with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk 8 9 1 Amanda Palmer Adrienne Cremin I was deeply saddened to hear of Duncan’s passing. I met I knew Duncan for over fifteen years. He was a decent and Duncan when he organised a protest to keep lllaweena Street kind person. He made everyone in his presence feel like open. He was a great example of a politician who really cared they were the most important person to him. He was smart, for his constituents. He was always at Stretton State College articulate, and so funny! We stood together for Labor in 2012 events. What a great example to all the students - how one - him for a State Member position; me for Council. person can help so many! He will be missed. Deepest We both lost at the first attempt. He won Stretton on his sympathy to his family and friends xoxo second try, and his constituents were so fortunate to have Mary Kissane him represent them. I always felt like a pretend “aunty”, giving him fashion advice, Duncan will be remembered for his passionate dedication etc. He was an amazing person with a great Catholic faith to serving ALL members of our diverse Stretton community. which he chose himself as an adult. That, to me, was a He was an inspiration for us all. In my home place of Ireland, great testament. it is often said and never more true of Duncan: “Ni Bheidh a I will - and do - miss him greatly, and I am so proud of him Leitheid Aris Ann!” meaning “There will never be the likes of him and everything he achieved. I treasure getting to know his again!” May he Rest In Peace now. family through him. We are linked, and that bond is strong. Carolyn Loy I first met Duncan 10 years ago, and from that time onwards he has always remembered my name! His beautiful smile and friendliness will always be remembered. RIP Duncan. 12 13 1//GW 1 Hamza Al Ansari Paula Ross Former Youth Member for Stretton Secretary, Karawatha Forest Protection Society Inc Duncan was a great man, a mentor and a friend. He was I am proud to have known Duncan ever since he put his always there in times of need. No matter how far away I was, hand up for the Stretton electorate. I have attended many of he was always just a phone call away. He truly empowered his functions including an International Women’s Day event. me to continue my journey fighting for the community. I hope And he has attended some of our meetings and events. I can continue his legacy long into the future. I remember him walking with us at the lllaweena Street picnic area and on the Wildlife Bridge over Compton Road. He was His commitment to the youth of the community is something an awesome man - very generous with his time for the I will never forget. Duncan always made sure that my voice community. He was involved with all cultures and religions. and the voices of Stretton’s youth mattered. He was a If anyone feels a bit of light wind or a feather flying around beacon of all that is good in the world. I am so grateful I had a room, it will be Duncan to make sure the event is going the pleasure of knowing him for many years. I’m going to smoothly. I had the pleasure of going to his farewell at miss talking about the cricket, and Formula One with him. SunPAC and that last photo I had taken with him I will Goodbye my friend, may you Rest In Peace. I will miss you. treasure forever. Farewell my very good friend and Rest in Erin Blyth Peace. You fought a good fight. Duncan is the one politician I have personally connected with because he has done so much for the betterment of our community. He came to every performance at our school, advocated strongly for funding towards arts education, and even took the time to invite us to Parliament House to listen to the issues youth care about. He was a wonderful, selfless man with a genuine care for the people in his community. Thank you for everything Duncan, it was an absolute honour and privilege to have known and worked with you over the years. 16 17 I Kerrelyn Mahoney P&C Member, Runcorn State High School and Runcorn Heights State School It has been an honour to know and work with Duncan, and I am deeply saddened by his passing. Duncan was extremely supportive of Stretton’s schools and sporting organisations, among his many other duties. Duncan generously sponsored many events and awards and was always highly visible and present in the community. Duncan celebrated and recognised volunteers, and provided letters of support for grants. Duncan was instrumental in facilitating the construction of new school facilities and successfully went into bat for Stretton on many wider community issues. Personally, I found Duncan to be a real gentleman with a positive outlook, a great sense of humour, and love of sport. I genuinely appreciate Duncan’s tireless commitment to the Stretton community, especially in the areas of youth, education, road safety and sport, and will be forever grateful for everything he has done for the Stretton community. i. Certificate F Appreciation Duncan with Kerrelyn Mahoney 20 21 strettoh QLDOAY AWARD htM V 22 23 Lara Vanderstaay Vincent Kartelo I never met Duncan, but I heard him speak at a public I first met Duncan when he came to work with me at Sciaccas function.