Mr MURPHY (5:58 PM) —Today I wish to pay special tribute to a local hero in my electorate of Lowe, Mrs Marlene Doran, President of the Homebush Main Street Committee and Chair of the Homebush Community Bank. As you know, Mr Speaker, on many occasions I have spoken forcefully in this House about the arrogance and the greed of the four big banks and the impact that the 14 bank branch closures have had on my constituents in my electorate of Lowe. You will also recall that, within those speeches, I have spoken many times about Mrs Doran and her campaign to open a community bank in Homebush since Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank deserted the people of Homebush. I also undertook to keep you informed of Mrs Doran's campaign.

It is my happy duty to let the House know this evening that, on 5 May 2002, I had the pleasure of participating in the opening of our first community bank in my electorate in Homebush. But for the initiative, the very hard work and the sheer determination of Mrs Doran and the able assistance of her husband, Graham, this event would not havecome to pass. There was a very large gathering of grateful local residents who witnessed this historic occasion. I wish Mrs Doran and the local branch manager, John Keppo, and his staff all the best for the future. With the help of Bendigo Bank, may many more people throughout Australia follow the example of Mrs Doran. Bendigo Bank is putting people first, before profits, and I am happy to say that I too switched my business from Westpac to the Homebush Community Bank. Well done, Marlene Doran.