Mrs MAY (1:46 PM) —Last Friday week the Gold Coast community came together as one to pay tribute to our own Gold Coast sporting legend and former rugby league hard man Peter Gallagher or, as he is affectionately known on the coast, `Pedro'. It was a tribute that will be remembered for a long time. Over 700 people turned up to honour this great man and support him in what will be the greatest challenge of his life. Pedro is battling life-threatening cancer and he needs a supporting hand to undergo treatment for the cancer at a specialist clinic in Germany. His mates did not let him down—the greats of rugby league were in attendance along with other sportsmen, business and community leaders, politicians and friends. They came to pay tribute to a wonderful man. They spoke of his achievements, his successes and his actions. They spoke of his integrity, of a man who during his life has embraced the qualities of courage, loyalty, humility, compassion and citizenship.

I only met Peter for the first time five years ago. He was chairman of the Gold Coast Turf Club and, over the years, this gentle giant and former Australian rugby league captain always extended to me a friendly welcome to the turf club. I remember the year the Prime Minister came to watch the Prime Minister's Cup, an annual event that Peter was particularly proud of. Peter welcomed the Prime Minister in the same way he welcomed all his guests: with friendship and warmth, with dignity and courtesy. Peter Gallagher, I wish you well with your next challenge. You will be in my prayers and thoughts and, I have no doubt, in the prayers and thoughts of all Gold Coasters. Godspeed and come home safely.