Trevor Evans (Brisbane, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Order of Australia Award is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on some of the people who make our country so great. Over 30,000 people have received awards since 1975 and no doubt most of them would have performed their community endeavours without seeking this recognition or any celebration of their efforts. But when the times seem so focused on the challenges and the many issues around the world, I think it really is important that the rest of Australia knows more about their extraordinary contributions. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some examples of some of the recipients who live and work in my electorate of Brisbane.

Professor Jennifer Martin is director of Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery. She was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for her services to scientific research in the fields of biochemistry and protein crystallography, and for advocating for gender equality in science. Only 35 companions are named every year so this is a particularly significant award for Professor Martin. Can I just mention how commendable it is to see such a focus in this year's honours lists on the achievements of our experts in fields like science and medicine, where so much good work is being done around Brisbane and around Australia.

Following on in those scientific and medical fields, Emeritus Professor John Grant-Thompson was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his work in biomedical engineering, education as both an academic and research, and medical equipment design. Another to be made a Member of the Order of Australia as well as receiving the Australian Public Service Medal is Mr Greg Hallem. Greg is the CEO of the Local Government Association of Queensland. He assisted with founding a number of organisations including Local Government Infrastructure Services, Propel Partnerships, Local Government Mutual, Local Government Workcare and Local Buy. He was the recipient of the John Shaw Medal—Roads Australia—in 2012, the National Emergency Medal in 2012 and the Olympic Council Merit Award in 2015. Naturally, Craig received his award for such significant services to local government administration, natural disaster recovery efforts and people with disabilities.

Associate Professor Anthony Avsec received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his tremendous work in the building and construction industry and to education. Professor Avsec is an adjunct associate professor with the science and engineering faculty at QUT. He was a national counsellor for the Australian Institute of Building and he holds a number of important positions with the National Association of Women in Construction. Also receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia was Dr Raymond Chaseling, the service director of neurosurgery and consultant paediatric neurosurgeon at the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, for his service to medicine, particularly in the field of paediatrics. Mr Peter Cummiskey, CEO of QSport since 1997, received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to sports administration and to the AFL. Dr Ian Fraser became an OAM thanks to his work in medicine, community health and the wellbeing of veterans. Dr Fraser is a GP with GO2 Health, which has been working with veterans for many years, yielding impressive outcomes for veteran support. Another doctor to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia was Dr Barry Hickey, an associate professor at the UQ School of Medicine for many years, for his service to thoracic medicine. Dr Hickey was involved in establishing Greenslopes Private Hospital's respiratory unit, which has been running for almost 40 years.

For her service to music, Mrs Andrea Messenger received a Medal of the Order of Australia. Andrea was the Founding Director of the Western Suburbs String Orchestra, which has been performing since 1989. Ms Sarah Buckler received a Public Service Medal for her outstanding work in investment, regional development and corporate governance in Queensland. Ms Filomena Morgan received a Public Service Medal for her work in coordination and governance roles in Queensland. Most notably, in 2006 Filomena led the coordination efforts in response to Cyclone Larry. Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Jenkins received the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership in the development of officer training capability for the Afghan National Army. A special mention, last but not least, for Diana Moore, the 2017 Lord Mayor's Australia Day Senior Citizen of the Year. Diana is now recently retired. She was for years the president of the Downey Park Netball Association and has been a stalwart of Brisbane's netball and sports community for the past three decades. I, and on behalf of the people of Brisbane, add my congratulations to these very worthy recipients and to all recipients of the Australia Day honours list.

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