Chris Crewther (Dunkley, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am honoured to speak today about the constituents in my electorate of Dunkley who received Australia Day honours and awards. Firstly, I want to acknowledge those who received the OAM and AM. Mr John Willem De Wijn QC of Mount Eliza, who became a member in the general division of the Order of Australia, received an AM for 'significant service to youth through Scouts, at the state and national level, right through to taxation law'. He has been, for example, through Scouts Australia, the national vice-president currently, a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and he has also been involved with the Tax Institute, the Victorian Bar, the Village Church Uniting Church in Mount Eliza and much more.

Secondly, Mrs Anne Margaret Connan of Frankston South received an OAM for her amazing service to children. She has been a leader with the Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia program since 1986. She has also been involved in the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and a range of other services locally and across Australia.

Thirdly, Mr Jeffrey William Weir of Frankston received an OAM for service to marine conservation. He has been involved for many years with the Dolphin Research Institute and has been executive director since 1997. He has been involved in the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation and much more.

Next I would like to acknowledge those in the Frankston City Council and Mornington Peninsula Shire who received citizen of the year and other awards. Firstly, Lauryn Hornby, 37, of Frankston, who received Citizen of the Year in Frankston City Council, not only runs an art based program and meals for the needy with Life-Gate but has been with Life-Gate for over 10 years doing a terrific service. John Dickman, 76 years old, of Frankston, who received Senior Citizen of the Year, served as a surgeon lieutenant with the Navy and worked as a GP for 45 years assisting other veterans with health issues. Thirdly, Alicia Goldsworthy, Young Citizen of the Year, a former student of John Paul College, created the Knowledge is Power program for students and parents to combat bullying.

Across the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Citizen of the Year Josie Jones has been passionate about protecting the bay and marine life for many years and has collected more than five tonnes of rubbish across local beaches. Young Citizen of the Year Kayla Shelbourne, 23, of Somerville, established a not-for-profit organisation, For Kids, By Kids, in her teens and has worked to break down stigma across youth mental health and prevention of suicide in the community. There are a number of other award winners across both the council areas I'd like to acknowledge as well. Thank you very much for all your service to our local community.