Matt Gregg (Deakin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to warmly congratulate four incredible individuals in Deakin who have made significant contributions to our local community and who have been recognised recently as part of the Australia Day awards.

Margaret Dymond has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to motorsport. She's known in many circles as the owner of Penrite Oil, which makes a great locally manufactured set of products for vehicles and which her family has owned since 1979. That's an awfully long time. She's worked incredibly hard in supporting the motorsport industry and has been a huge supporter of young up-and-comers in motorsport. She's often seen at local car shows and events and has been a pinnacle member of the motorsport community. She's also led a great Australian manufacturer. In addition to her recent award, she has been recognised as the Australian Performance Automotive Council's Australian of the Year. She remains heavily involved in the business, along with many others in her family. She's done an incredible job in our community, for the motorsport community in general, for local business entrepreneurs and, as I said, for local manufacturing. I am in awe of all that Margaret's achieved and congratulate her on her recent honour.

Robert Edwards has also been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, for his service as a Rotarian. He's been involved in Rotary's Warrandyte Donvale branch for 42 years now. He's been president twice, as I understand it—once in the early nineties and once very recently. He's done every job that it is possible to do within a Rotary club. He has done electrical testing and inspections for the op shop and for local events, has served on a range of working groups and committees and is just the kind of person you see always pitching in. And his service continues. Rob has been a real pillar of the community. I congratulate him for his service—not only for Rotary but for our community more generally—and, obviously, for his great achievement in winning a Medal of the Order of Australia.

Lionel Parrot has also been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. He has used his lived experience to help improve and promote educational outcomes. He began his career as a careers adviser having noticed, through his own life experience, that sometimes it's very difficult to find that pathway to future success at the end of your school life or in university. He's really dedicated himself to helping young people find their path, whatever that might be. He also played an instrumental role in setting up the Billanook College, a private school out in Mooroolbark—the member for Casey would be well and truly familiar with it—and he's been a lifelong education advocate. I, again, congratulate him on his achievement of being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.

Finally, Reverend John Taylor has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia as well. He was the inaugural CEO of OzChild. He has been a great leader in governance in the not-for-profit sector and has really lifted the quality of services provided for vulnerable children and young people. Congratulations to Reverend John Taylor for his Medal of the Order of Australia.