Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to acknowledge Robbie Graham. Robbie is a member of the Goolmangar RFS and was recently recognised with an Australian Fire Service Medal for his dedication to our community for the past 50 years. He has had great support from his family. I know that his wife, Shirley; his children Peter and Sharon; their respective partners, Suzanne and David; and Robbie's grandchildren Brady, Ella, Emma and Ryan are exceptionally proud of his efforts. Congratulations Robbie on this well-deserved award.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all the members of my community who in the latest Australia Day Awards in the Lismore City Council area won their respective divisions. Stephen Garbutt, Captain of Wyrallah Rural Fire Brigade since 2007, was awarded an OAM—congratulations, Stephen, very well deserved.

Annette Moehead from Wollongbar was awarded a Public Service Medal for her wonderful contribution to our health system. Norm Robinson was awarded the Community Individual Australia Day Award—congratulations, Norm. The Services in the Community Australia Day Award was awarded to the Muslim Students' Society, Southern Cross.

The Sports Team Australia Day Award was awarded to the St Carthage's Primary School and Lismore Rugby 10s team who claimed victory as the state champions at the Catholic schools rugby 10's championships—well done. Valerie Axtens was awarded the Australia Day award for arts and cultures. Congratulations, Valerie. Macy Butler was named Young Citizen of the Year and the Citizen of the Year award was awarded to Dave Henderson. Dave, thank you for everything you've done recently, especially with the bushfires. My congratulations to all the winners.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate all the members of my community who received Australia Day Awards in the Richmond Valley Council area. Mick Stain from Casino was awarded the Citizen of the Year for his outstanding voluntary service of more than 16 years in the RFS fire brigades. The Young Citizen of the Year award went to Ben Wheeler for his strong community service. Ben is a volunteer firefighter and has been on the fireground 34 times. Karen Rea and Donna Lamont were both named Volunteers of the Year for their outstanding commitment during the major bushfires we had. Lucy Ellis was named Young Volunteer of the Year for contributing a significant amount of time as a very active volunteer at the Evans Head Surf Lifesaving Club. Congratulations, Lucy. The Young Sportsperson of the Year award went to Kali Ainsworth, who has gone from strength to strength in her chosen sport of rugby union, representing her club, zone and school and touring overseas. Well done to Kali.

I'd like to acknowledge the Sportsperson of the Year in the Ballina council area, which was awarded to Hayley Oakes of Pearces Creek. Hayley is an outstanding young woman who is a multiple Australian mountain bike champion across several disciplines. Well done, Hayley.

See this speech in context