Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party, Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to pay tribute to the citizens of Calare who were recently recognised for their service to our communities with Australia Day honours. They have made an enormous contribution to our region and these honours are richly deserved. John Kearns of Portland received an OAM for service to the community through a range of roles, including his work in community health and aged care and volunteering for a range of clubs and organisations. The Order of Australia medal was awarded to Dr Ruth Arnold from Orange for her service to medicine as a cardiologist. Dr Arnold and the cardiology team at Orange hospital service an area of some 250,000 square kilometres, providing vital health services to rural communities. In Canowindra there were multiple awards that recognised wonderful service to our community. Geoffrey Beath was recognised for his work as chairman of Canowindra health council and his extensive service to the Moorbel brigade of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service and other organisations such as Canowindra showground. David O'Dea was acknowledged for his role in establishing Canowindra's wine industry and volunteering within the community. Lew Bezzina was awarded a Public Service Medal for his outstanding commitment to Lithgow City Council's recovery efforts in response to the bushfires that devastated the region. Captain John Marshall of Cudgegong received an Australian Fire Service Medal. At the age of 74, John played a central role in battling the 2019-20 fires, saving lives, properties and livelihoods across the community. He is currently captain of the Bogee Brigade. The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to Glenn Hinton of Rylstone. As captain of the Rylstone-Kandos Rescue Squad, Mr Hinton's commitment and dedication was vital in protecting people in his community, particularly in response to last year's bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's a tremendous honour to be nominated for an Australia Day award and an even greater honour to be a recipient of one. On behalf of our community, I'd like to place on the record the thanks of the Australian parliament to these wonderful community members who are making a real difference to the lives of so many in the Calare electorate. Congratulations to all of these wonderful members. In a future speech to this place, I will be honouring even more members of our community who were honoured on Australia Day.