Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

In Fisher, we have a true local hero in the form of Joyce Newton. Joyce has always displayed an energetic commitment to going the extra mile for others in everything she has been involved in. During a long association with local schools, Joyce created new services for Maleny students, including meet-the-teachers nights, after-school sex education for parents and children, a student council at the primary school and a responsible-thinking classroom at the high school. Joyce has spent a lifetime making Maleny a better place. She was the driving force behind building Maleny's community swimming pool and keeping it running since 1983; setting up a mothers' nurses group; restarting the Maleny Community Kindergarten; building an indoor activity centre at the high school; setting up our local hospital auxiliary; and creating the Maleny Rangers soccer club. Along the way, Joyce found time to run the blood bank at Maleny hospital, keep the Maleny Guides and playgroup going, and sit on the advisory group of the Maleny Community Precinct.

I was delighted to attend Joyce's investiture with a well-deserved Medal of the Order of Australia on 4 June, which Joyce, with typical humility, accepted on behalf of all the community members who've worked with her over the years. On behalf of Maleny and the House, many congratulations and a sincere thank you for all— (Time expired)

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