House debates

Wednesday, 5 February 2020

Statements by Members

Menzies Electorate: Australia Day Awards

1:38 pm

Photo of Kevin AndrewsKevin Andrews (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I'd like to recognise those residents from Menzies who were recipients of Australia Day honours for 2020. Professor Roy Robins-Browne, from Templestowe, was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of microbiology and immunology. Vianney Shiel, also from Templestowe, was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to electronic engineering and to education. Judith Sammut, from Doncaster East, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to community health. Alfred Tregear, from Doncaster East, also received a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to Australian Rules football.

Melissa—or Mel, as she's known—Noonan, also from Doncaster East, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to people with a disability. I know Mel quite well and had the honour of presenting her with the Manningham Australia Day Perpetual Trophy in 2019, which I present annually as part of my Menzies Community Australia Day Awards. Mel is an above-knee amputee with a background in national account sales and marketing. She's held board and advisory member positions for local and state governments and for disability community not-for-profit organisations. Since co-founding Limbs 4 Life, Mel has been credited with a number of awards and has been recognised for her work within the community. Limbs 4 Life empowers amputees with knowledge and support to make a real difference, because no-one should have to go through limb loss alone. It's the peak body for amputees. It supports hundreds of people across Australia.

I congratulate Mel and all the other recipients from Menzies.