Mr FERGUSON (Bass) – Deputy Speaker, it’s an honour, as Liberal member for Bass, to welcome day 2 of the Tour de Cure as it rolls through my electorate today. For 20 years now, Tour de Cure has been hitting the road with a single powerful mission: to cure cancer and to change lives. And what an impact they have made. There have been 238 world class cancer breakthroughs, over 1200 research projects funded, more than 6000 nights of accommodation provided to families during some of the toughest moments of their lives and countless community grants supporting grassroots health initiatives across the country. Tour de Cure is much more than a ride. It’s a testament to courage, compassion and the belief that when people come together, they can change the world.
Today’s stop is at the Bridgenorth Football Club. Go the Parrots. This makes this moment extra special because it’s also the town I grew up in. The Bridgenorth community has a proud and generous spirit, and that spirit is embodied in one of its most remarkable sons, Professor Richard Scolyer AO. Right now, there are 300 people gathered at Parrot Park in Bridgenorth, amongst them 120 riders who are coming through the area, and Richard Scolyer is shortly to arrive with his dad Morris, a wonderful man. Richard’s connection to Bridgenorth runs long, from his family’s 100-year football legacy in the town to his role as the club’s devoted no 1 ticket holder.
In 2025, that pride was on full display at Riverside Primary School. When he walked into the assembly, the grade 6 students burst into spontaneous applause. The school unveiled the Professor Richard Scolyer AO Excellence Award, which honours students who strive for excellence, determination and the courage to make a difference. It was a powerful reminder of the impact of one person’s story can have on young lives.
I hope we all realise that he is one of Australia’s and the world’s leading pathologists. Born in my home city of Launceston, he has become internationally recognised for breakthroughs in melanoma diagnosis, research and immunotherapy. His work has transformed melanoma treatment, saved countless lives and extended countless lives. Our nation recognised this extraordinary man and his extraordinary contributions by naming him our Australian of the Year in 2024.
In recent years, Richard has shown the world of different kind of leadership: scientific brilliance but also immense courage. After himself being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer, he became the first person in the world to undergo an experimental treatment using pre surgery immunotherapy and a personalised cancer vaccine, a technique based on his own melanoma research. He has faced this journey publicly, sharing a blog with honesty and integrity. I believe he brings hope to a lot of other people. His life is defined by service to science, to medicine and, of course, to countless families who have been touched by cancer.
Today, as the Tour de Cure comes through northern Tasmania and Bridgenorth, we are reminded of the virtue that Richard shows us so perfectly: that when people use their talents, their energy and even their struggles to help others, wonderful, extraordinary things can happen.
To the riders, support crews, organisers, local volunteers and every person who donates or cheers from the sidelines, I say a big word of thanks. Bridgenorth Football Club has exceeded its target of $5000. I’m told thousands and thousands have been coming in. Sponsors, donors, it’s been wonderful. To all of those people and, in particular, the club, together with Richard and his family, you’re all being part of something much bigger than just one event. You’re part of a movement that saves lives, and I applaud you.
