Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Ray Jordan. Wayne Trindall has been a director of Guildford Leagues Club for 15 years and is heavily involved in fundraising for different causes. He also volunteers for Cumberland Council meals on wheels and assists elderly residents with weekly shopping.

Finally, for the last two years I've instituted a new award. I haven't always done this, but for two years now, we have awarded the McMahon Older Australian of the Year to somebody who deserves that little bit of extra recognition. They're all very worthy recipients, but the McMahon Older Australian of the Year is an award that we now present. I think all present on the day—and I'm sure all members of the House would agree—that James Ratcliffe was a worthy winner of the McMahon Older Australian of the Year. He's a 94-year-old returned serviceman who still serves his Neighbourhood Watch as treasurer. He's still active in the Guildford Red Cross. He's the deputy president of Hewitt House Community Centre and also assists Merrylands police with youth at risk. He is an active participant in the community garden at Granville South high school and has been a justice of the peace for 52 years.

Again, the older Australian morning tea is a highlight in our calendar. Many people come every year. We always have some people for whom it's their first performance. I want to thank Smithfield RSL for joining me in hosting it. I couldn't do it without Smithfield RSL's support. We arranged the entertainment from Danny Elliot, a very accomplished international artist who sang and performed for us on the day. We have a great morning. We celebrate older Australians and everything they've contributed to our community. It's a very important day for me as the member for McMahon. It's good when it comes between two sitting weeks. It's quite a change of scenery and pace from parliament. It's good to celebrate with older Australians their achievements and their contribution to our community. They've worked hard all their lives and they use their retirement to give back. An older Australia morning tea is a wonderful opportunity to thank them and celebrate their achievements.

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