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

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate members of my community who were recognised at the Woodenbong Australia Day Awards recently. The Citizen of the Year award went to Tien Smith. Tien is a very active member of our community. She has been a member of the Woodenbong Show Society for 19 years, a member of the Woodenbong Swimming Club for 17 years and a member of the Woodenbong Tennis Club and Woodenbong Campdraft, to name a few. The Sportsperson of the Year award went to Nicholas Hannant. Nick has a very long list of achievements: he is a qualified touch and league referee; he has played State Cup touch football for the past four years; and he has competed at the combined high school zone and regional competitions for athletics, cross-country and swimming. The Business/Service of the Year award went to Taylor's Hardware store—a wonderful, local, family owned business that has been operating for 58 years. They support a lot of community groups and all members of the local RFS. The Community Organisation of the Year award went to the Woodenbong Unrugged Group—a wonderful group of women who sew together knitted squares, making rugs that are sent to disadvantaged people in other communities. Thank you, and congratulations to all the winners.

I'd like to acknowledge and congratulate members of my community who received OAMs and Australia Day awards at the Kyogle event. The Citizen of the Year award was awarded to Kay Noonan. Kay ran a successful business in Kyogle for 40 years and has made a great contribution to many sporting clubs and groups in town. The Senior Citizen of the Year award went to Leo Laarhoven. Leo worked at Duncan sawmill for 34 years. He has volunteered for many community groups, including the Rotary Club, the Garden Club, the Northern Rivers District Bowls Association and the SES auxiliary. The Senior Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to Peter Anderson. Despite being 92 years of age, Peter can be found playing 18 holes of golf twice a week and bowls twice a week—a great effort. Peter also used to be a swimming coach, a surf lifesaver and a major volunteer for many organisations. The Senior Student of the Year award went to Ashton Leck, and the Junior Student of the Year award went to Rahara Mapabandara; congratulations to both of you. There was also a special posthumous achievement award for Thomas Matthews. Tom was a great member of our community. He volunteered at the Lions Club, the information centre, St Vincent de Paul, the Men's Shed and many other organisations. Thank you, and congratulations to all these deserving winners.

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