Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I'm delighted to acknowledge the Australia Day awards that have been bestowed upon two residents within La Trobe. The first is Frank Phillips, who has been awarded the Order of Australia for his service to the community of Melbourne. Frank helped to start the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne and was the inaugural president in 1983. He spent more than 30 years helping to fundraise and establish a trust to ensure the future of the gardens, and they are looking fantastic. In addition to his horticultural interest, Frank has been heavily involved in not-for-profit groups such as Rotary and the Australian-made, Australian-grown campaign. He has also been on the council's Boronia advisory committee and has offered ideas to shape the future of his suburb of Boronia.

I would also like to congratulate Bev McAllister, who received an Australia Day award from the Shire of Yarra Ranges. I've known Bev for a number of years and she's absolutely fantastic. This award recognises her commitment to community development through her work establishing the Dandenong Ranges Music Council. In 1979 Ms McAllister helped to set up the Dandenong Ranges Music Council. The council is now considered to be a model for community music organisations throughout Australia. Bev has done an amazing job for the local community for so many years. I've always enjoyed working with her. I congratulate both Bev and Frank.

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