John Durack: While the cake is being distributed, I ask my daughter Tessa to say a few words.
Tessa Durack:
Thanks, Dad. Just a few words from me. I was just thinking over the past couple of days over a few very vivid memories I have of time spent with my Grandparents, and I thought I would just take the opportunity to go over them and to thank you for them.
Nona, there's no-one I know who can bring a story alive like you can; for reading us 'Captain Midnight' under the stars at Bullita and for bringing Maurey Sendak'sOutside Over There' so hauntingly alive at Pearl Beach over a wet weekend.
Bill, for endless cups of tea on command, toast in the mornings at 'Bunya' back scratches whenever you want them. No-one has ever been so co-operative, no-one has given so much affection and done it with such willingness and good grace.
Nona, for always having my beautiful, what I think of as being my beautiful little room at ‘Bunya’, ready, with a healthy mixture of Australian verse and 'Mode' and 'Studio' magazine and a bit of 'National Geographic'; for pumpkin scones, roast dinners, cold cuts and salads.
Bill, for your copious letters with attached copies and important bits underlined in red; for the sparkling clean pool at Nobby, for many, many great memories at Nobby; for reading my stories and my essays over the years and giving advice gently and generously, but mostly giving me encouragement.
And on that note, for both of you, for inspiring me to write and record. It's been very important.
For defending yourself with such good grace and fighting back against endless water pistol fights at various events, weddings, and again at Nobby.
And most of all, for putting so much energy into keeping us all connected. I know that I appreciate it more than I can say. So thank you, very much.
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