Zoe McKenzie (Flinders, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to celebrate the extraordinary Mornington Peninsula locals who were honoured this Australia Day. We are not overrepresented in the honours list; we are overrepresented with people who will not sit still and who always insist on getting things done. Their recognition spans the Order of Australia, the Medal of the Order of Australia, the Australian Fire Service Medal, the Emergency Services Medal and distinguished military honours, including the Conspicuous Service Cross and medal.

Debra Griffiths AM was honoured for significant service to nursing and medico-legal education. Aunty Helen Bnads OAM was recognised for her leadership within the Indigenous community. Margaret McArthur OAM, the late Michael O'Rourke OAM and the marvellous Charles Reis OAM have strengthened our peninsula through community service and sport over decades. Graham Kirk and Tony Marchesani represent the courage of our fire and emergency services. Among the men and women of service to the ADF most associated with HMAS Cerberus, which I visited with the member for Hume on Friday, Commander Stefanie Curic, Leading Seaman Jack Schulze, Lieutenant Commander Scott Shipton and Lieutenant Perri Trew were all recognised for their devotion to the defence of our nation.

On Australia Day, we can acknowledge past injustice while recognising how far we have come and the good Australia continues to do for her people. One of our defining achievements has been the weaving together of Indigenous heritage, British foundations and successive waves of migration, an achievement seen across the peninsula on Australia Day.

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