Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Brian 'Fredo' Frederiksen of Minnie Water retired from the Clarence Valley Council last week. His service to the local communities of Wooli, Minnie Water and Diggers Camp will be missed. Brian has been the council's village maintenance man, responsible for keeping the streets, parks and public access areas clean for locals and visitors. The community got together last Sunday to farewell Fredo, attending a barbecue held at the Wooli rural fire shed. Carmel Young presented Fredo with a golden shovel to say thank you for his service, and Carmel also presented a nine 'carrot' necklace to Fredo's wife, Jane. I'd like to wish Fredo all the best in his retirement. I thank him for his dedication to our community over the last 15 years, including as a volunteer with the Minnie Water Rural Fire Service.

Last Friday, the Lismore Workers Club said goodbye to one of its longest-serving employees, duty manager John Eather, who has given over 40 years of service to the club. John met his partner, Leanne, at work. Congratulations, John, on your 40 years of service and well-earned retirement. You were always a friendly face. Good luck.

The Order of Australia medal is awarded as recognition for outstanding achievement in service. This year, four OAMs were awarded in my community. In Kyogle, Bruce McKenzie received an OAM for service to veterans and their families. Bruce was president of the Kyogle RSL sub-branch from 2009 to 2015 and is a current trustee. In the Richmond Valley, Rod Kinnish received an OAM. He is the founder and president of the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Association and has also been with the Evans Head RSL and Community Men's Shed since 2009. In Lismore, Margot Sweeney and Geoff Hannah both received OAMs. Margot is a board member of several foundations, including Credit Union Foundation Australia, and has been the CEO of the local Summerland Credit Union since 1999. Geoff has been a master craftsman since 1973 and received his OAM for service to the visual arts industry through the production of furniture. One of Geoff's works is the YarralumlaCabinet, which is located in Government House in Canberra. These people are all very special people who have made great contributions to our local community. I congratulate them all.

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