Tuesday, 2 August 2022

Vanassa Gerdes

Mr MAAS (Narre Warren South) (13:17): I rise today to speak on the very sad and recent passing of Hampton Park resident Vanassa Gerdes. Vanassa was heavily involved in our community through the Hampton Park Progress Association. She always advocated for the community, delivered for those in need and wanted to make sure that Hampton Park became an even better place to live, work and raise a family. She was also instrumental in the Hampton Park Networking Group, which connects our local businesses together.

From the 4½ years that I knew Vanassa I can say with great certainty that she was a powerful force. Some would go further and say she was not backward in coming forward. Indeed I always knew where she stood on an issue. But Vanassa was always welcoming and passionate. She would advocate on issues such as disability access, school education, pandemic support, local amenity and mental health and wellbeing. She always wanted what was best for Hampton Park. Vanassa was instrumental in paving the way for a new pavilion at Robert Booth Reserve to be delivered, and her involvement in Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Australia Day ceremonies and other local events will always be remembered—events which she ran with precision, spirit and great pride.

Vanassa had been in remission from cancer for some eight years but had been quite unwell for the last few. My deepest sympathies go to Vanassa’s husband, Jason; her children, David and Stephanie; family and friends; and all those affected by her passing. Vale, Vanassa Gerdes.