House debates

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Statements by Members

Australia Day Honours and Awards

1:46 pm

Photo of Mary DoyleMary Doyle (Aston, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to congratulate three of Aston's finest who received the Medal of the Order of Australia last week as part of the Australia Day 2026 honours list. Mrs Elizabeth Aylett OAM received the award for her service to netball. Elizabeth has been a netball player since 1952 and an umpire since 1964. Elizabeth is the founder of the White Horse Netball Association, and went on to become a life member of the association in 1981. Following her outstanding contribution to netball, the Lizzie Aylett Umpires Award was established in 2016.

Mrs Rita Brown received the OAM for her service to community health. Rita has been the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation President and Chair since 2018, and foundation director since 2013. Rita is additionally a member of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders, a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Committee, and is the Associate Director of the Lived Experience Workforce.

Mr John McGrath received the OAM for his service to surf lifesaving and to the community. From 2011 to 2020, John was the Director of Communications at Far South Coast Branch Surf Life Saving New South Wales. In 2014, John became the deputy president of the surf life saving club and presided over this role for three years. John has been a member of the surf life saving community since 1964 and has played a major role in the communities in which he has served.

I thank them all for their contribution to Aston and also our nation. Thank you.

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