Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the passing of Australian wine industry legend and local icon Charles Henry ‘Mick’ Morris, who passed away last month at the age of 98. 

A fourth-generation winemaker, Mick returned to the family winery after studying science at the University of Melbourne and his rigorous approach helped to put Victoria’s northeast on the global map.  

Recognising the potential of a then-unloved grape varietal, in 1954 Mick released the world’s first ever commercially bottled Durif, which has gone on to become a Rutherglen signature.  

Across the industry, Mick was widely respected not just for his technical expertise and devotion to his craft but also his generosity, humility and willingness to share his knowledge. 

Away from the vineyard, Mick was a keen sportsman. He won a premiership with Howlong Football Club in 1954, the same year he met his beloved wife Roma. What a year! Mick was a life member of Howlong Golf Club and was instrumental in the development of the club’s bowling greens, the first of which was named after him. Mick played his final game of bowls against Benalla at the incredible age of 96. 

Mick was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2012 for services to the Australian wine industry and the community of Howlong. He is survived by his children, David and Peter, his grandchildren, Ebony and Madden, and his great-grandchildren Harriet, Evelyn and Leo. 

Vale, Mick.