House debates

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Statements by Members

Calare Electorate: Australia Day Honours

1:34 pm

Photo of Andrew GeeAndrew Gee (Calare, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Oberon has a wonderful history and community spirit, and today I'd like to pay tribute to those who were honoured at Oberon's recent Australia Day celebrations for making outstanding contributions to their local community. Neil Francis was awarded Citizen of the Year. Neil joined the Burraga rural fire service as a volunteer at age 13 and has served continually since that time. He's also a long-term volunteer for the Burraga and District Community Association and Burraga Ag Bureau and has served as a councillor on Oberon Council. Hannah Dusselaar and Victoria Webb were both named Young Citizen of the Year. Jackson Brien and Peter O'Neill were both named Sportsperson of the Year. Lachlan Gibbs was named Young Sportsperson of the Year. The Oberon Hot Shots under 11s netball team was named the Sports Team of the Year. Oberon District Little Athletics' community Christmas carols was named the Community Event of the Year. Janet Clayton was named Volunteer of the Year. I'm told Janet regularly assists with catering at the Uniting Church, has assisted with Accessible Living Options for over 12 years and is a long-term volunteer with Meals on Wheels. She also makes quilts for the Royal Women's Hospital's neonatal unit and provides quilts for foster children and children in care for Family and Community Services. The Oberon Anti Amalgamation Committee was awarded the special Australia Day Committee Award.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and award winners in Oberon. I'm sure all in this House join me in commending you on your contribution to building the great country community of Oberon and its surrounding districts.