20 October 2022
I recognise Tracy, Rohan and Jordan Blake of Winmalee for their passionate and heart-wrenching advocacy for justice for their daughter and sister, Mackenzie Elyse Blake. Sweet Mackenzie was 21 years old when she was tragically killed last year after a disqualified truck driver mounted the footpath on the Great Western Highway at Blaxland and mowed her down. Mackenzie was walking to the train station after work, heading home, but she never made it. The Blake family is determined to ensure laws change. I am proud of their steely determination to see legislative reform and practical measures taken to address road killers and repeat offenders; to support victims of road crimes; and, among a range of requests, to have a pedestrian barrier installed between the footpath and highway so that other families might not suffer such a tragedy. The important work that has been undertaken by the Road Trauma Support Group is worthy of mention. IĀ also acknowledge Mackenzie's pet border collie Jasper, who still waits by the door for her to come home. For the mourning Blake family and Blue Mountains community, I forever remember Mackenzie.