Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, if you haven't read the piece by the Treasurer, 'Why I cherish Jan 26 in all its complexity', I suggest you should; it's a great Australian story.

Another great Australian story is that of George Blenkhorn, his wife, Sue, and their three children, who came to Australia in 1977 to join the veterinary clinic in Pakenham. George has just been honoured with a very special award from the Victorian Farmers Federation for making an invaluable contribution to local farming and agriculture.

George was my vet for my farm, my dogs, my cats and my cows—especially my favourite cow, who was bitten by a snake and, sadly, died. George was there 24 hours a day. He worked every Christmas Day. He worked seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This is a great farming story, a great veterinary story and a great story about going into the small community of Pakenham from England—the story of George and his wife, Sue. Their contribution to our local community has been enormous. That was recognised by this very, very special award. Only people like myself know how special this award is for George, who became a mayor of our shire, was a councillor after he retired and was a most excellent contributor to our community.

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