Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to some outstanding Central Coast locals who were included in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List. None of these people do the work they do for praise, recognition or reward. But I would like to acknowledge some of them who have helped to make the Central Coast one of the best regions in the very best country in the world. The 2018 awardees from Robertson are a mix of individuals from across the arts, sport, media and volunteer communities.

Wayne Young has dedicated more than three decades to our community through his involvement with Fire and Rescue New South Wales, including responding to the Thredbo landslide in 1997 and the major storms back home on the Central Coast in 2007. Wayne, like all of those honoured, has committed much of his life to helping others.

Herbert Leake has been serving our community through volunteer organisations for nearly three decades. Starting at Central Coast Meals on Wheels as a driver in 1985, Herbert continues to give back to the community. He has been a volunteer driver for the Woy Woy Peninsula Neighbourhood Service, a volunteer teacher's aide at Woy Woy South Public School and is a life member of the Probus Club of Kincumber.

Neil Thompson has been contributing to our community through his volunteer work for more than 40 years with the Salvation Army, including as a founder of the Red Shield Roadside Collections which we all know so well. Neil has been an active member of Rotary clubs and a volunteer at Coastlink respite services.

Tony Castley has been recognised for his contribution through many roles, including with Rotary International, the Scouts and as a justice of the peace.

Jack Anastas received an OAM for his commitment to our veterans on the Central Coast. Between 2012 and 2015, Jack was president of the National Association of Extremely Disabled War Veterans (New South Wales Branch) and he is currently a member of the Terrigal-Wamberal Lions Club.

Since 1965, Edwin Morris has served the community as part of the Mangrove Mountain Bushfire Brigade. Edwin has a passion for the mountains. He has dedicated his time to many organisations and events across the mountains, including the pony club, the community centre and the country fair.

Warren Mills was recognised for his ongoing work with the Rotary Club of North Gosford. A member since 1994, Warren has dedicated time and energy to the Rotary cause and invested in our community through his involvement in some outstanding Rotary projects.

A deserving inclusion is Merril Jackson, who in 2014 followed her dream to create the Poppy Project—a beautiful tribute to those who have served our nation, and one that truly captured the spirit of Anzac Day. Merril's vision inspired something that no local will forget—a stunning display of handmade poppies installed on the skillion at The Haven and at Poppy Park in Gosford. Merril coordinated hundreds of volunteers across the Central Coast to make the poppies. In doing so, she touched the heart of our community and indeed our nation as the beautiful tribute went viral across our country.

We have a vibrant arts community on the Central Coast and it's wonderful to see so many of them recognised as part of this year's honours awards. Scott Levi has been part of the broadcasting community for over a decade but he has also committed to giving back to the community in his role as a volunteer surf lifesaver and through his work with the Central Coast Cancer Council.

Margaret Hardy has been recognised for her advocacy and commitment to the arts community. Through her various roles as part of the Multi Arts Confederation of the Central Coast, the Central Coast Art Society and the Kincumber School of Arts Hall, a volunteer on Radio Five-O-Plus for two decades and the author of two books celebrating the Central Coast, Margaret has been an important part of our arts community.

Jocelyn Maughan received an OAM in recognition of her service to the visual arts and education on the Central Coast. Jocelyn has been a professional artist since 1960 and has dedicated herself to our arts community since then.

John Asquith is an incredible advocate for conservation and environmental issues on the Central Coast. He's been chairman of the Community Environment Network since 1999. He is the chair of the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre and is part of countless community groups that work towards building a better future for our region.

I pay tribute to all recipients of Queen's Birthday honours and place on record my thanks for all they do for our community.