15/02/2023 

Deputy Speaker,

On 8 December 2022, the world lost the wonderful Bill Burford, a faith-filled Catholic Territorian.

Bill made a significant contribution to the Society of St Vincent de Paul Society in the Northern Territory for more than 20 years.

He was the NT President of the Society from 2002 to 2008 and remained on the council.

Bill is remembered for working hard to heal relationships.

He was a valued voice of wisdom and a mentor to many.

Our deepest condolence to Mary, their six children and grandchildren.

And I would also like to pay my respects to Rev Canon Pat Williams, who died this month at age 88 after fifty years of service.

Pat has been described as a living saint and as an all-round wonderful person.

She was one of the first women to be ordained a deacon and then a priest in the Anglican Church in the NT.

Her children are Stephen, Robyn and Megan in Darwin, and Shaun.

Bill Burford and Pat Williams lived out the words of the Gospel in deeds, in their actions, and in their good works.

May they rest in eternal peace.