Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

Today, I'm honoured to recognise the six members of Bennelong who received King's Birthday awards recently. Each in their own right has embodied key values of compassion, integrity and service to better our community and the world around us. I'd like to congratulate the following people.

Receiving a Companion of the Order of Australia, and only one of five Australians to receive one this year, was Professor William Rawlinson of Riverview. He received this incredible honour for his eminent service to the medical sciences as a virologist through clinical research, education and national and international public health. He played a crucial role in shaping Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is a critical asset to the Therapeutic Goods Administration Laboratory. His long-term work has involved the reduction of the effects of cytomegalovirus infection for pregnant women, which is the second most common cause of severe disease in Australian neonates. Congratulations, Professor Rawlinson, and thank you for your work.

Two Bennelong residents received an Officer of the Order of Australia this year. Professor Elizabeth Elliott of Hunters Hill was awarded for her distinguished service to paediatric medicine, Indigenous children's health and women's health. She's renowned for her work in preventing, diagnosing and treating foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and helping to develop the Australian national guidelines to minimise substance use during pregnancy. Professor Margaret Schnitzler of Hunter's Hill received the award for her distinguished contributions to innovative surgical training, research and tertiary education. She has pioneered the field as Australia's first colorectal surgeon and served as the first female professor of surgery at the University of Sydney and co-deputy head of the Sydney Medical School.

Bennelong had two recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia this year. Mr Roderick Cooke of Lane Cove was recognised for his service to the community through a range of organisations. Sydney Community Services has seen Mr Cooke excel as a board member since 2016. Since 2003, he's been the vice president of the Lane Cove RSL sub-Branch. Mr John Devine of Lane Cove was awarded for service to the Lane Cove community. In 2021, he was recognised as the Lane Cove Citizen of the Year for his outstanding and sustained contribution to community life. Over the years, he has also provided valuable services to residents who need it most, like working with the Delvena Women's Refuge to provide essential food and grocery items.

Lastly, I'm honoured to recognise Mr Paul Ballard of Macquarie Park as a recipient of the Emergency Services Medal. His commitment to Marine Rescue New South Wales has continued over 21 years, where he currently holds the leadership role of master and unit commander at Port Jackson.

On behalf of Bennelong, I thank all the recipients for their outstanding contributions as true assets to our community. I'm so honoured to be able to represent them here in this place.

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