Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 2021 Queen's Birthday honours list was recently announced. Scott Monaghan, from the Clarence Valley, was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to Indigenous health and medical research. Congratulations, Scott; you are a very worthy recipient. Carol Bonamy, from McLeans Ridges, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Lismore community. Carol is an SES volunteer, a supporter of the Our Kids charity and a volunteer with Lismore Meals on Wheels. Harold Kratz, from Maclean, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to rowing. Harold tirelessly helps out the Lower Clarence Rowing Club. John McCaffrey, from Wollongbar, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to people with a disability. John has been involved in many organisations, including All Abilities Sports Committee, Alstonville All Stars Group, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Australian Seabird Rescue Service and the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia. The late Darcy McFadden was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service as an award-winning photographer for the Northern Star. Stephen Morelli, from Woolgoolga, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Indigenous community of the Mid North Coast. Madeline Parish, also from Woolgoolga, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community. She is a dedicated Lifeline volunteer. I thank them all for the contribution they make to our community.

I would also like to acknowledge the Rural Fire Service units and volunteers who were recently recognised at the NSW RFS St Florian’s Day Awards. Scott Campbell, from the Lawrence Brigade, received the Commissioner's Commendation for Individual Bravery for his efforts during the Nymboida bushfire. Awarded for a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation were Senior Deputy Captain Harold Gibson, from Trenayr Brigade; Deputy Captain Evan Delaforce, from Tucabia Brigade; Captain Michael Rogan, from Grafton City Brigade; Senior Deputy Captain Walter Murray, from Mount Ramornie Brigade; and Group Captain David Tucker, of Bonalbo Brigade.

Many brigades were also awarded the Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation. Ewingar Brigade received the award for their efforts fighting the Long Gully Road fire. Far North Coast Brigade received the award for assisting the Cobargo fire. The Northern Rivers Brigade received the award for their efforts in the Busbys Flat-Rappville fires. These included the Tabulam, Mallanganee, Bonalbo and Old Bonalbo RFS brigades.

Clarence Valley Group Captain John Page was assigned as divisional commander to crews from Trenayr, Copmanhurst and Coaldale brigades. These crews included firefighter Pamela Page, Captain James Page, firefighter Michael Sexton, firefighter Cassandra Page, Senior Deputy Captain Harold Gibson, Captain Eddie Newberry and Deputy Captain Terry Lindenmayer. They received the Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation. Gulmarrad Brigade received the award for supplying an exceptional number of crews and showing remarkable stamina and commitment during the fire season. Members of the Tyringham Brigade were recognised for their unwavering commitment and dedication. I thank all these local heroes for the magnificent effort they made in protecting our communities through a very trying time.