Fiona Scott (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today in support of my wonderful community and, in particular, to honour many local residents who go above and beyond in service to our local community to ensure that Penrith and St Marys are places where we all love to be and raise our family in.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Michael Kovacs as the Volunteer of the Year. Michael lost his own house to fire. He is a member of the Londonderry Rural Fire Service. He has also been at many fires, including at Burragorang, Pilliga, the Hawkesbury, the Hunter, the Shoalhaven, the Central Coast and Menai. He has provided 26 years of service to the Rural Fire Service.

Peter Harker is the Senior Volunteer of the Year. Peter has served 20 years with the Penrith SES, and he is only 65. He assisted in the Thredbo landslide, the Sydney hailstorm, the Singleton floods, the Brisbane floods, Cyclone Yasi and the search for Kiesha Abrahams.

Brooke Romcek is the Junior Volunteer of the Year. She works with the St John Ambulance Cadets, whom she joined when she was only eight years of age. She now raises money for many charities and has been very successful with the relay for life.

David Gerlach is Educator of the Year. David is a maths teacher at Caroline Chisholm College in Glenmore Park. He spends his lunchtimes helping children and is looked up to by many of his students for his dedication.

Warren Smith is the Sports Volunteer of the Year. Warren runs the St Marys Rugby League Club. He fosters young children's interest in sport and works tirelessly for the entire community, and is often seen manning barbecues right around the area.

Amanda Pentecost is the My Hero. Amanda is the wife of Nathan Pentecost, who has achieved many feats from his wheelchair. Amanda is the power behind the man. She also works as a teacher at Tyndale Christian School and spends hours of time preparing classes.

Martin Beckett is the Business Mentor of the Year. Martin is the CEO of Christ Mission Possible. He is seen as an amazing business leader in innovation and development and has helped so many people dealing with horrible circumstances.

Also commended were Sharon Parker, Ross Hutchison, Lana Borg, Roger Borg, Sally Reedy, Allan Cullen, Amanda Peachey, Linda Strickland, Cassidy Strickland, Annette Morris, Jim Tiberi, Pam Borsey, Joan Murray and Bev Fink.

I would also like to thank the committee that pulled all of these wonderful people together so that we were able to respect and honour the work of all of these brilliant people. I would like to thank my committee of Brad Waugh, Tricia Hitchens, Deb Summerhayes, Ben Felten and Lana Borg. Finally, I thank Penrith Press and Lisa Powers and Wayne Willmington from the local radio station for ensuring that this was a wonderful event.

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