Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a number of residents within the Higgins electorate who received honours and recognition on Australia Day of their service to our country and to our community.

Marc Besen was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for his eminent service to visual and performing arts. Marc is also recognised for his philanthropic contributions to a range of social welfare, community, health, educational and youth initiatives.

Professor Brendan Crabb was also made a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to medicine, particularly in the area of organ donation and transplantation and the work that he does at the Burnet Institute, which I have had the good fortune to visit and to see firsthand.

Professor John Mills was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service as a researcher and physician in infectious diseases medicine, particularly in recognition of his work in the area of HIV-AIDS and the development of Australia's biotechnology industry.

Dr Alexander Gosling and Lady Anna Cowen were both made Members of the Order of Australia for their significant service to youth, medical research, educational, historical and cultural organisations. They were also honoured for their service to the people of Australia through their vice-regal patronage and support roles.

William Cowan was also made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through educational, medical research, arts organisations and business.

I would also like to congratulate those in the Higgins electorate who received the Medal of the Order of Australia including Allan Paull for his charitable and social welfare work; the late Lorraine Topol for her social welfare, religious and charitable work; Timothy Gurry for his educational and community work; Esther Wood for her service to education and hockey; Dr Serge Liberman for his service as an author, historian and scholar; Emeritus Professor Peter Juliff for his work as a pioneer educator in information technology; Guang Lu for his service to performing arts as a performer, director and designer; and Adjunct Professor Jennifer Searcy for her service to education in the fields of science and mathematics. Congratulations also go to Peter de Natris for receiving the Public Service Medal for his service to people with disabilities and young people, and congratulations to Professor Stephen Bernard and Michael Stephenson for receiving the Ambulance Service Medal.

These people are all very worthy Australians who have made important and valuable contributions to our community. I am very fortunate to represent in this place a community with many kind-hearted and generous people. I pay tribute to all of those who give up their time to continue the tradition of community service in Higgins. Not all are recognised in the Australia Day honours, so I want to take the opportunity to recognise their contribution today. I also host regular morning teas to recognise those people in our community who work so hard for us and I want to place on record our thanks.

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