Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to draw the House's attention to the efforts of four outstanding Novocastrians who, thankfully, this year received the due recognition of the Order of Australia at the Australia Day honours awards. The first of the people I would like to acknowledge is Mr Kevin Berger from Newcastle East. He is the founder and executive director of the St Philips Christian College's DALE program. Indeed, the member for Blair accompanied me on a recent visit to that school, which has run some tremendous programs for students who are at risk and have special needs. It has a separate program for young mothers seeking to complete the Higher School Certificate. This is much deserved recognition for the work Kevin has done.

The second Novocastrian I would like to acknowledge is Margaret Sulman, a volunteer at the Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital since 1992. She has had an extraordinary range of roles in the hospital and certainly has helped to coordinate the hospital volunteer program and fundraising efforts.

The third person is Norma Clarke of New Lambton, who has had more than 50 years of service to lawn bowls.

Finally, there is Mr John Rumball, recognised for his long and various contributions to the ambulance service and the Hamilton Returned Services League and for his chairmanship of the Hunter Melanoma Foundation from 1996 to 2000. We are deeply indebted to each of these Novocastrians for their service.

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