Ed Husic (Chifley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Industry and Science) | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to recognise the terrific citizenship ceremony brought together by Blacktown City Council on Australia Day. It's always an honour to attend these ceremonies and be part of the personal chapters in people's lives as they take that huge step towards citizenship. That day, as well, is used as a backdrop to recognise champions who make a difference in our community.

I want to make special mention of Blacktown Citizen of the Year Rachael Hanlon for her tireless—genuinely tireless—efforts through the Blacktown City Lions Club. I've known Rachael for years and I know how hard she works. For example, she works to support fundraising drives to help the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital, gets involved in Indigenous reading collection drives and also, importantly, takes leadership roles in local initiatives to tackle domestic violence. In her 10-year campaign, Rachael has helped raise over $400,000 and delivered $500,000 worth of food donations to support people in need in our area. I want to extend my deep thanks and congratulations to her not just for winning the award but for what she's done to make a difference in people's lives.

Recognised on the day as well was Ebony O'Connor, who was awarded the city's Young Citizen of the Year award for outstanding achievement and dedication to youth initiatives through the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee. I acknowledge the Environmental Citizen of the Year, Ariana Goanta. Ariana was recognised for her contributions in promoting recycling and teaching others how to look after wildlife. And congrats to the Rotary Club of Blacktown City, who received the Community Event of the Year award for their successful seniors Christmas lunch.

On Australia Day there were a number of Chifley people honoured with the Order of Australia. Deep congrats to Dr Amanda White OAM, who has rightly earned that abbreviation at the end of her name, for her remarkable service in the tertiary education sector, and to Mr Francis Avis OAM for his outstanding work in broadcast media. I also recognise Alexa Player, a young girl from the Blacktown District Girl Guides, who has received the Queen's Guide Gold Endeavour award; that will be awarded to her formally later this year. It is the highest attainable recognition for youth members of Girl Guides Australia. Well done to Alexa.

Finally, late last year I attended the Mount Druitt and Blacktown Police Awards. One of the officers acknowledged was Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald, someone I have known for quite some time, with a dedicated service of 36 years. Congratulations to Bob on the award he received, and to other police officers from our area on awards received. Thank you for your hard work and courage to help keep our community safe.