Vale Des Moylan: August 15, 1952-June 25, 2024. Des (centre) is pictured with his social dance group.
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Friends and family filled St Joseph’s Church in Benalla to farewell Des Moylan on Friday, June 28.
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Des died on June 25, aged 71, after being diagnosed with brain cancer late last year.
In a speech to federal parliament, Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines spoke about Des.
Des Moylan (second from right) campaigning to reopen Benalla’s Centrelink.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“Des Moylan was a person of humble courage, boundless generosity and gentle grace,” Dr Haines said.
“He knew his north star and followed it. Des volunteered for countless community organisations and stayed the course with them all.”
Des was determined to help those in need and quietly persisted despite obstacles.
He was a founding member of Rural Australians for Refugees, campaigning for refugee rights for many years.
He provided practical support to newly arrived refugees in Benalla and Shepparton, helping them obtain vocational training and jobs as well as providing accommodation.
When Benalla’s Centrelink office was closed, Des gathered signatures for a petition, surveyed those affected, sought the support of political representatives and prepared a submission to Federal Minister Bill Shorten.
He could be counted on in a crisis and helped to repair fences after the Black Summer bushfires.
Des volunteered at St Joseph’s Church where Father Vijay found him moving tables not long after he’d had major surgery.
Neil Para crosses the Benalla-Monash bridge during a 1000km walk to deliver a petition to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for permanent visas for thousands of refugees. He is pictured with Des Moylan who supported Neil’s walk and gave him accommodation while in Benalla.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
He provided support to those seeking assistance at St Vincent de Paul, often going out of his way.
For example, he once delivered a bed to a needy client. He visited aged care residents at Estia and was a much-loved volunteer at Cooinda for 17 years.
Des believed politics had a role to play in achieving social justice.
He was a strong supporter of the union movement and a former union delegate at Hendersons in Benalla.
He was an active member of the Benalla campaign teams for Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines, and a member of the Benalla For Yes campaign team.
He was known as “Mr Corflute”, thanks to his particular skill in erecting campaign signage.
Vale Des Moylan.
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Contributed
Despite his many community commitments, Des found time to attend social dance nights where he was a considerate and skilled dance partner.
Des spent his final months at Cooinda where his friends arranged a “Do For Des”, a party for him, in early May.
At that event those he’d volunteered with spoke about his many contributions to Benalla and he was presented with certificates of appreciation from St Vincent de Paul and Dr Haines.
To the delight of all, he danced around the room with members of the social dance group and his family.
Cooinda CEO Alex McKenna spoke fondly of Des.
“At a time when we all look for that special person that makes us want to be a better version of ourselves, I know I don’t have to look too far to seek inspiration and Des is that beacon of light for me,” Mr McKenna said.
Des was the loved father and father-in-law of Matthew Moylan and Sherwin, Emma Woodman and Tyler Woodman, Rose Moylan and Mohsen Elnashar, Sophie Moylan and Daniel Garabilesand treasured Grandpa Des of Doris, Ruby, Harper and Luna.
A tribute book is available at Rambling Rose gift shop on Bridge St where friends can leave their memories of Des.
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