Tribute to Dr Hari Harinath

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-137056

Hansard session: Fifty-Eighth Parliament, First Session (58-1)

Tribute to Dr Hari Harinath

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (22:31:24):

I recognise and pay tribute to a true visionary who has changed New South Wales for the better. Dr Hari Harinath was an exceptional man and a great friend who sadly passed away on 18 November, surrounded by his family and loved ones. I was absolutely devastated to hear of his passing. I had the privilege of knowing Dr Hari before my time in Parliament. He lived locally in Kogarah Bay and worked in his medical practice at Westfield Eastgardens. Dr Hari was an incredibly busy man but he was always up for a chat with anyone. He was quiet but he also carried a genuine presence and a kind demeanour.

Dr Hari arrived in Sydney in 1971, beginning his medical work at the Mercy Hospital in Tasmania. He soon became involved in the sport he would come to love the most, cricket. Dr Harinath joined the Balmain Cricket Club in 1977 and rose up the ranks. While he started as the club's team doctor, it was not long before Dr Hari's enthusiasm and love for the game led him to the role of club presidency. He held onto that position for more than 30 years, which is an incredible legacy. Not long after, Dr Hari became the chairman of Cricket New South Wales and a board member of Cricket Australia. While serving with Cricket New South Wales and Cricket Australia, he always aimed to create a more inclusive sporting culture. Thanks in part to Dr Hari's efforts, cricket has become a platform where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive and excel while making long‑lasting friendships.

Dr Hari's commitment to inclusivity extended far beyond the realms of cricket. He channelled this passion into the Multicultural NSW advisory board, which he joined in July 2013. In New South Wales, the Multicultural NSW advisory board helps to provide advice and guidance, celebrating cultural diversity and addressing challenges faced by multicultural communities. In our State, almost 30 per cent of the current population was born in another country. That is why Dr Hari understood the importance of hearing the views and concerns of all multicultural identities. Thanks again to his outstanding work ethic and dedication, Dr Hari became the chair of Multicultural NSW, a position he held for eight years.

He was a true friend and champion of our multicultural communities in New South Wales. It was my great privilege to work closely alongside Dr Hari during my time as the Minister for Multiculturalism. He served on the advisory board with the utmost dedication and expertise. Dr Hari also had an ability to connect with anyone he met. He believed that our diversity in New South Wales is our strength, and his leadership and professional achievements reflected that. Putting that sentiment into practice, Dr Hari attracted qualified and highly respected professionals to join the board under his leadership. He was an advocate for gender equity within and appointed youth members to ensure that everyone had a say.

His legacy extends beyond his official capacity. Dr Hari built bridges between communities, recognising that our multicultural State was a source of unity rather than division. His contributions recognised at not only a State level but also a national and international level. Dr Harinath was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2009 Queen's birthday honours for service to cricket through his executive roles at State and national levels, and to the community. He was also awarded the highest honour conferred to Indians living overseas by the President of India in 2017.

Dr Hari's significant achievements are a testament to his passion and love for people. No matter what role he was in, Dr Hari always put people first. He was an incredibly compassionate man. His efforts have not only transformed Multicultural NSW as an organisation but have also made our State a better, far more inclusive place to live. He leaves behind an incredible legacy. In his passing, we mourn the loss of a leader and a true friend to our diverse communities in New South Wales. To his beloved wife, family, friends and all who admired him, may the memories of Dr Hari's kindness and dedication provide comfort during this difficult time. Vale, Dr Hari Harinath. Your legacy of compassion, inclusivity and service to others will continue to resonate with all of us.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua):

I also express my condolences and the condolences of the House on the sad passing of Dr Hari Harinath. He was a kind and compassionate person, and he made, as we heard, a tremendous contribution to New South Wales. I pass my sympathies onto his wife, family and friends. May he rest in peace.