Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today with great pride and admiration to acknowledge and congratulate a number of outstanding individuals who were acknowledged in the King's Birthday 2025 Honours List. These awards are among the highest form of recognition in our country, celebrating exceptional service, leadership and dedication across a wide range of fields, from community service to health to education to emergency services. Among this year's recipients are individuals whose quiet commitment over many years has uplifted lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. Their contribution often goes unheralded, yet they are deeply felt. These honours serve not only to recognise their personal achievements but also to reflect the values we cherish as a nation—compassion, perseverance and that can-do spirit.

I'd particularly would like to recognise the diversity of contributions represented in this year's list, from volunteers who've dedicate years to helping their community to those who have a necessary role and duty in the emergency services and as active members of the correctional services of this nation. Each recipient has left a legacy far greater than themselves. These honours provide a chance to reflect on the incredible potential that lies within each town, each street across my electorate of Barker. I'm constantly humbled by the calibre of people that call the electorate of Barker home, people who see a need and step in, who give their time generously and who make our local area a better place to live, work and raise a family. These honours are an acknowledgement of the great service to others and of devotion to the betterment of society around them. To this end, for those who were formally recognised on the King's birthday for their contribution to the local community and our nation, I want to put on record my thanks and the thanks of a nation. Thank you for the enormous contribution that each of you have made to strengthen the community and uphold our Australian values.

With seven out of 730 recipients of the awards this year coming from Barker, it's another example of my electorate punching above its weight—people such as Chris Pfeiffer, AM, for his service to the Lutheran Church and to the community; Maxwell Blacketer, OAM, for his service to the community of Millicent; Mr Leslie Hampel, OAM, for his services to the community of Nuriootpa; Mr David Heard, OAM, for his services to the community through emergency service organisations; Mr David Bridges, ACM, for his dedication to correctional services; to Mr Scott Anderson, ESM, and Mr Lincoln Heading, ESM, for their dedication to emergency services.

At a time when good news can feel in short supply, it's especially important that we pause and honour those who lift up others and remind us of what it means to serve. Your dedication will continue to inspire us as many of us try to follow in your well-trodden footsteps. Thank you again.

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