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Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Page: 4459

Mrs GRIGGS (Solomon) (17:10): I rise to join many of my colleagues to pay tribute and honour the passing of Australian swimming legend Ian Murray Rose OAM or, as he was better known, Murray Rose. Sadly, Murray passed away on Sunday, 15 April at his home in Sydney after battling leukaemia for four months. Murray was born in Birmingham, England, moving to Australia with the onset of World War II, where he quickly took up paddling at the local Redleaf Pool at Double Bay in Sydney. It was not long before his talent in the pool was recognised, and by 1955 more people started to take note of him, particularly when he won the 220-yard and the 440-yard freestyle event at the Australian Swimming Championships. There was a lot of interest in his unique swimming style. He had what they say was a fluid stroke and a four-beat kick, something that I do not possess.

By age 17 Murray had made his mark, winning gold medals in the 400 metres, the 1500 metres and the four by 200 metre freestyle relay at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Simply an amazing achievement! It was not surprising that he was quick to get many fans. Australians love a winner and we are quick to give pet names—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 17:12 to  17:43

Mrs GRIGGS: As I was saying before the suspension, it was not surprising that Murray Rose was quick to get many fans. Australians love a winner and we are very quick to give pet names. After winning three gold medals in his home country, Murray was given the nickname the 'golden boy', which I think is a reflection of not only his gold medals but also his golden hair. Murray was the first swimmer in 36 years to win the 400-metre and 1,500-metre events at the same Olympics. A sports scholarship at the University of Southern California followed, as did another Olympic gold medal in the 400-metre freestyle as well as a silver medal and a bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.

Murray continued competitive swimming but also studied drama and television, trying his hand at acting in 1964 with minor roles in Ride the Wild Surfand Ice Station Zebra. He appeared on television and radio but it was clear where his passion was. Murray Rose set 15 world records and won seven Australian swimming championship titles. He won four British Empire and Commonwealth Games gold medals and four gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal in Olympic competition. In 1965, Murray was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and was voted Australia's greatest male Olympian. In 1985, he was inducted into the Sports Australia Hall of Fame. He was also one of only eight flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. He was appointed a member of the Order of Australia for his services to swimming and received the Australian Sports Medal. There is no doubt that Murray was a worthy recipient of both of those.

From all accounts Murray was passionate about his charity work and gave time to the Rainbow Club of which he was the patron. The Rainbow Club provides swimming lessons to children with mental and physical disabilities. In 2008, Murray worked with the club to establish the annual Malabar Magic Ocean Swim event, which has involved around 1,000 swimmers and raised $40,000 for children. I understand that Rob Lloyd of the Rainbow Club recently announced that the event will be renamed in Murray's honour. He said, 'Murray was a great man with a big heart. He connected with children and always worked tirelessly, putting his soul into the work. Murray Rose's Malabar Magic will continue to grow and be a reminder of the great charity work of Murray Rose.'

On behalf of my electorate, I extend deepest sympathies to Murray's wife, Jodi, his son, Trevor, and his daughter, Somerset, and also to the many Australians who will be mourning the loss of a true sporting hero.