Parliamentary Speeches
Tribute to Peter Edmonds & Brock Curtis ( 10/04/2008)
Mr DONALD PAGE (Ballina) [3.30 p.m.]: I thank the House for granting me leave to make a brief statement. The Minister for Fair Trading has mentioned the shark attack resulting in the death of Peter Edmonds and the courageous actions of his mate Brock Curtis. I join with the Minister, the Government and all members of the House in extending our sympathy to the Edmonds family at the untimely death of Peter Edmonds following the shark attack at Lighthouse Beach at Ballina at around 8.15 two mornings ago. Peter Edmonds leaves behind his parents, Lisa and Neil, and two sisters, Kylie and Shelley. We extend our condolences to the Edmonds family and to Peter's friends.
Peter was a year 11 student at Alstonville High School and he was a very popular boy. Our thoughts also go to his school friends at Alstonville High School who are devastated by this sudden and violent loss. Peter Edmonds' best mate was Brock Curtis. Brock's actions in trying to save his mate were courageous indeed. It had started to rain prior to the shark attack and Brock had left the surf to put his clothes under a rock when the attack occurred. When he returned he saw his mate lying face down in the water surrounded by blood and what is believed to have been a bull shark. Without regard to his own safety Brock Curtis dived back into the surf and dragged his mate to shore. He called 000 and then administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation before calling the Coast Guard. Unfortunately, the wounds to Peter's legs caused a massive loss of blood and Peter passed away on the beach. I am sure members would agree that Brock Curtis's actions were heroic, given that the shark was still in the bloodied water near his mate when he re-entered the water.
The family, the local school community and his many friends are still in shock over Peter Edmonds untimely death at the age of 16. The tragedy is magnified when we are told that the boys had only decided to go for a surf because school was not commencing until 11 o'clock due to industrial action. Prior to yesterday's tragedy the shark attack in New South Wales waters that resulted in a person's death was at Byron Bay—also in my electorate—in 1993. On that occasion a couple were honeymooning and they went scuba diving at Julian Rocks. A white pointer came towards the female diver but her husband put himself between his new wife and the shark, only to be eaten by the shark. His wife survived. Again, on behalf of The Nationals and the Liberal Party, Independent members and all members, I express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Peter Edmonds
