Ballina MP honours Lance Ferris in Parliamentary speech
Member for Ballina Don Page made a glowing tribute to Lance Ferris in his speech in Parliament House late yesterday.
“I believe Lance’s good work needed to be placed on the public record for all time. I urge everyone to honour his memory by carrying on his important work,” Mr Page said.
“We owe it to Lance to carry on his vision by not littering on our beaches, being responsible with our fishing tackle and respecting our environment.
“Lance Ferris certainly made a difference. He educated many people about the benefits of a clean environment for our marine wildlife, he helped many people in our community, including children with disabilities and troubled youth; he rescued and nursed many pelicans, turtles and other marine life back to good health; and he created, along with Marny Bonner, Australian Seabird Rescue.”
“Lance was instrumental in the passing of legislation in the mid-1990s in New South Wales to ban the release of helium balloons because they inevitably end up in our waterways where they are often mistaken as food by marine life. Once in the animals’ stomachs, the balloons cause a slow and painful death.
“Lance Ferris has left a legacy that will live on for generations and decades to come.
“We extend our condolences to Marny Bonner and his two children, Rochelle and Jason.
“We say to Lance; ‘You have gone, but you’ll never be forgotten. You left a fantastic legacy to our Ballina community and beyond. I salute you and everything you have done for marine wildlife in this country’.”
PICTURE: Don Page speaking at last week’s memorial service for Lance Ferris.
