Debates Day 3 - Thursday 24 February 2000
Parliamentary Record 21
Debates for 8th Assembly 1997 - 2001; ParliamentNT; Parliamentary Record; 8th Assembly 1997 - 2001
2000-02-24
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Debates
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
Darwin
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DEBATES - Thursday 24 February 2000 We dont have to remember Matty because we will never forget! Nanna Neck will never forget the great jo y o f having a young Matt and his brothers and sister over to her place every Friday night for a meal and cherished times. His Grandpa will never forget the last time he saw Matt. As he walked out the door o f the shop, Matt was standing behind the counter in his Electric World uniform and called out with that smile, See ya later, Grandpa . His Aunty Jenny who will never forget how Matty James would blush bright red when she kissed him and how he would always, always be wearing a cap. Zac will never forget the enjoyment o f sharing all the times o f playing Playstation with an older brother who would never let him win. All o f you people here today are testimony to how proud Greg and Vai should be o f the fine young man that they nurtured and cherished. On their behalf and on behalf o f the whole family, I wish to convey their sincere thanks and appreciation for the love and support given to them in this time o f tragedy. At this time also our heartfelt thoughts are with the families o f Mandy Bell and Matthew Batson in their time o f grief who like us will never replace the emptiness they feel. Most importantly, I think we must help each other to continue our lives with the joy, humour and happiness that our Matty left with us. Rest in peace, Matty. We love you and will never forget you. Matty Neck: 7 January 2000 Good morning and welcome to this Mass o f thanksgiving for the life o f Matthew Neck. Thank you for your attendance, and for the wonderful support that you have given to Matty's family and friends during these sad and difficult days. Today we pray for Matty, for his family, for each other, and for our community o f Alice Springs, as we all come to terms with the tragic deaths o f three very special young people. A little over a month ago, we celebrated with Matty his graduation from school. Accompanied by his parents and many friends, he had a wonderful night marking the end o f thirteen years o f education. I ts unbelievable that this rite o f passage into a new and exciting part o f his life has ended so suddenly. The promise o f future prospects and dreams has gone without warning. Always the happy, easy going lad, Matty found sport a real focus, and a good way to meet others and to make lasting friends. Throughout the community, people came to know and respect Matty as a lovable character in a variety o f fields o f endeavour. He just loved being involved with people, and he had plenty o f talent, be it at football, baseball, motor bike riding, and even fishing. No doubt each o f you has particular memories o f Matty; he had so many points o f connection and interests. I used to enjoy watching him play football in the mid-week interschool competition. I remember once his kicking a particularly impressive goal. We talked about it for weeks. Matty enjoyed a joke, and every time the topic was raised, the distance o f that kick got longer and longer. Matty was a gentle, unassuming young man who had a great affection for his family and such a wide circle o f friends. He could also spring a surprise or two; some o f you may well remember his performance at the school fashion parade back in August. He thoroughly enjoyed himself, his enthusiasm, energy, and unusual swag along the catwalk were a sight for sore eyes. Matty could be the life o f the party, and yet he never imposed himself on others. He was truly a trusted and loyal friend, a cheerful and caring brother, and a cherished and loving son and grandson. As we pray today for the repose o f Matthew's soul, and comfort each other, may our heavy hearts experience the joy and happiness that he brought to each o f us. In the lottery o f life, Mattys time with us has been all too short. May he now rest peacefully in the loving arms o f his Maker. Eulogy for Amanda Jayne Bell 25/12/79 to 31/12/99 (as delivered at her funeral 11/1/2000) It is an honour to have been asked to deliver this eulogy for Amanda, and whilst it is one which I wish with all my heart, I would never have had to hear in my lifetime, let alone give, I have accepted this last sad office to honour the memory o f Amanda, in support o f her family and you, her dear friends, who like me, are left in mourning. We are gathered here to remember with deepest affection and love, the life and times 5177