Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to the McMillan-Monash locals who were recently acknowledged in the Queen's Birthday honours. These people are central to our local communities, always serving on various committees, leading organisations and volunteering their time and expertise so our region can thrive.

Ian Nethercote of the Latrobe Valley was acknowledged for his service to the electricity supply sector in Victoria, education and the broader community of Gippsland. The tiny town of Outtrim was represented by Douglas Close, who was acknowledged for his service to the Outtrim community. The Hon. Alan Brown from Wattle Bank was recognised for his contribution to the vocational training and education sector, to philanthropy and to the people of the parliament of Victoria. Olive Elston—a friend of mine—of Pakenham was recognised for her service to youth and the community. Margaret Haycroft has for many years been an active contributor to the Foster and Corner Inlet community and was acknowledged for her service. It was also great to see Ray James of Trafalgar/Thorpdale RSL acknowledged for his service to veterans and their families. The late Thomas Grubb of Newborough has been recognised for his service to youths through the Scout movement.

I'd like to congratulate these recipients on their recognition and thank them again for their contribution. More broadly, having knowledge of all the people that I have mentioned today, every one of them have one particular attribute: they're all people persons. I know throughout our electorates we honour these people but, because of the way they have conducted themselves over many years, it is a great honour for me to stand and respect them for their service.