Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I take the opportunity to congratulate local recipients of King's Birthday Honours. Former secondary school teacher and assistant principal, Christopher Binks received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to secondary education and to literature as the author of Explorers of Western Tasmania, Pioneers of the West Coast and Hills of the West Wind and other books on history of Bass Strait fishing and the City of Devonport. I was also pleased to see the former independent member for Rosevears, Kerry Finch, recognised for his service to parliament and his community. Having held the upper house seat for 18 years before retiring in 2020, I have long admired Kerry's commitment to his community and his approach to his work as a member of parliament, and an OAM is a well-deserved honour.

Jeffrey Hockley was recognised with an OAM for his tireless service to community theatre. Jeffrey has had a long involvement in the Launceston Players Society, directing more than 17 productions since the 1970s and holding a number of position within the society, including president, and has served as a board member of the Theatre Council of Tasmania. A special shout out to OAM recipients Sharon Leonard and Jennifer Logie, who were recognised for their service to the communities of Ravenswood and Bicheno respectively. Jennifer has played an integral role in progressing tourism events on the East Coast, and Sharon has dedicated almost four decades to her northern suburbs community in a number of volunteer roles. Mrs Leonard says that she understands life can be very lonely for some people, and is motivated by the knowledge that we all have hard times. 'All I ever wanted was to help people,' she said.

An innovator and a leader in the Australian honey bee industry, Lindsay Burke has served on industry bodies as well as building his own company's hives in Tasmania. While serving as a chairman on the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, working to improve biosecurity measures to protect the beekeeping industry, Lindsay has been a passionate advocate, supporting future generations of beekeepers, playing an active role in developing and embracing training programs. Lindsay is a worthy recipient of the Member of the Order of Australia.

'When life handed me a lemon I made lemonade,' said medical practitioner and associate professor Gary Kilov, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adolescent. Professor Kilov was awarded an AM for his significant service to medicine, particularly in diabetes research and advisory roles, describing the AM as one of the proudest moments of his career. Congratulations on your much-deserved award, Professor Kilov.

Lastly, I congratulate Joe Chromy for being awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia. I have spoken previously in this place about Mr Chromy, and this award is just recognition for his achievement in our community. Congratulations to all recipients.