Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 2014 Queen's Birthday honours list acknowledged some amazing people from my community for their contribution. On behalf of all Territorians I say thank you and well done! Robert Kerridge Elix, better known in our community as Bob Elix, was awarded an AM for significant service to local government, through leadership roles in the community of Darwin, and sporting and horseracing organisations. Bob has worked on Darwin City Council for 31 years and has contributed significantly to building and shaping our lovely city.

Mr Kong Su Jape was awarded an AM for significant service to business and commerce in the Northern Territory and in Timor-Leste. He is the patriarch of the famous Jape family in the Territory—a family which contributes so much to the social, cultural and commercial fabric of our community.

A good friend of mine, Sean Clement Parnell, was awarded an OAM for his service to the community of Darwin through a range of volunteer roles. Sean is a long-serving police officer who has incredible ties throughout the community. He is a humble, hardworking, community-minded individual who gives everything he has got, not only to the community but to his family.

Pastor Roger Stanley Millist was awarded an OAM for service to international relations through a range of aviation and church roles in Papua New Guinea.

Eean Thorne was recognised with an OAM for his extensive work with the Rotary and Probus clubs. Mr Thorne has done some remarkable work in revitalising the Probus club in Darwin and was integral in establishing the new club in Palmerston.

It was also great to see three Territory based Defence personnel recognised for their efforts. Major Ian Matthew Lakey received an OAM for meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of Force Support Unit 1st Combat Service Support Battalion on Operation Slipper. Major Dean Alexander Clark was awarded the Bar to the Conspicuous Service Medal for Meritorious Achievement as the Operations Officer of Observer Group Golan Damascus (Syria) United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. An incredible lady who I admire greatly is Lieutenant Commander Phillipa Hay RAN. She was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding devotion to duty as Staff Officer Grade Two Maritime Planner, Headquarters Joint Task Force 639, for her work on Operation Resolute in support of Border Protection Operations.

Congratulations also to Jenny Rowe, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal. She is another fine, outstanding Northern Territory police officer who is recognised in the community and well respected by her peers.

I would also like to make special mention of Mrs Beryl Phyllis Evans, who lives not in the Northern Territory but on Norfolk Island. She was awarded an OAM for her service to Norfolk Island.

Thank you and congratulations to all of you. (Time expired)