I rise to pay tribute to a much-loved local identity, Paul Scott, who passed away last month. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved daughters, Emma-Jane and Grace; his partner, Victoria; and his friends, his colleagues and countless members of our community who mourn his loss.

Paul was a true Novocastrian in every sense—a passionate advocate for our region's heritage, a trusted voice in our local media and a guiding mentor for students and young people who benefited from his insights and generosity of spirit. His work to protect and celebrate community institutions from Surfest through to our historic Newcastle Post Office helped shape the cultural fabric of Newcastle and gave voice to the pride that all Novocastrians feel about our city.

In the face of health challenges later in life, Paul made the deeply personal decision to access voluntary assisted dying—a choice he spoke about with courage and clarity, guided by his values of dignity and self-determination. His passing reminds us of the importance of compassion not just in how we live but in how we support people at the end of life.

We remember Paul as a storyteller, a champion of community and a thoughtful, generous human whose legacy will endure in the people he inspired and the places he helped protect. Vale, Paul Scott.