David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge and congratulate Port Macquarie-Hastings Senior Citizen of the Year, Phyllis Hollis, who has a long history of volunteering within our area. She's put her time into countless groups, including the Upper Hastings sporting groups, Hastings Country Music Club, St Cuthbert's Anglican Church, Long Flat school, the football club and rodeo, Yarras school, Ellenborough hall and many other causes. After the devastating bushfires and drought experienced in our region, Phyllis and her husband, Reg, were ready and willing to help and began volunteering for the Dominion Grace women's ministry, helping to distribute clothes, household goods and food to all the bushfire affected families. Congratulations, Phyllis, you're greatly admired and you've earnt our respect and thanks.

Also, Judy Love of Bonny Hills has been recognised by our community for her commitment to the local environment in championing and being president of the Bonny Hills Landcare group. Judy has had many projects, including weeding Grants Head and the identification and removal of the African tulip tree, which is recognised as being detrimental to Australian bees. She's led Clean Up Australia Day and she has spread the message of being ecofriendly. People like Judy and Phyllis are part of the rich fabric that makes the Hastings Valley community so strong.

See this speech in context