Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

It's always a privilege to enter this place after Australia Day and be given the opportunity to congratulate locals in Bennelong who were honoured with Australia Day awards. These awards recognise the extraordinary contributions made by Australians who have impacted our communities for the better.

I wish to extend my congratulations to Professor Christopher Maher AM, of Epping, recognised with the award of Member of the Order of Australia for his outstanding contributions to physiotherapy, particularly in pain management, positively impacting numerous lives. We also honour the late Emeritus Professor Robin King AO, who was posthumously awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia for his remarkable service to engineering, tertiary education and professional bodies, leaving a lasting legacy for our community. Furthermore, my heartfelt congratulations go to Peter Bacha OAM, honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his dedication to a game I love, football, and community engagement as well, notably through his leadership of the Rydalmere Lions Football Club. Then we have Dr Starlette Beaumont Isaacs OAM. She is deserving of recognition for her service to medicine and community health, exemplified by her commitment to patient care and bulk-billing, earning her the Medal of the Order of Australia. Next we have Professor Elizabeth New OAM. She was commended for her contributions to science as a researcher, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia, inspiring our community with her passion for discovery and innovation. I also acknowledge Tony Pang OAM. Although he resides outside of Bennelong, he has played a significant role in our local multicultural community, notably as vice-chairman and secretary of CASS, demonstrating admirable dedication to serving the elderly and disadvantaged.

Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the City of Ryde citizen and young citizen of the year. Ryde Citizen of the Year is scouting legend Lyn Mann. Her dedication to Ryde East scouts has been extraordinary. She has been involved with them for over 40 years. Her leadership of the 1st East Ryde Scout Group has been constant, and her tireless efforts in advocating for the welfare of our citizens, her involvement in community projects and her spirit embody the essence of what it means to be a citizen in Bennelong. The Ryde Young Citizen of the Year, Areg Grigorian, is a passionate, energetic and committed young community member. I had the pleasure of working alongside Areg in his role at the Armenian National Committee, but Areg's commitment to bettering our community reaches much further than that. At the age of eight, he inspired the City of Ryde's 'Walk. Ride. Share.' campaign after seeing his brother injured in a bicycle accident. His acknowledgement is well deserved.

Congratulations to all those who received awards and acknowledgement on Australia Day.