Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank my colleague, the member for Berowra, for putting forward this motion to recognise the men and women who were awarded an Order of Australia honour on Australia Day this year. On behalf of my community of Lindsay I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the awards to people across our community.

'Bravery at its best' is how the Royal Australian Navy characterised the actions taken by Leading Seaman Steven Palu, CSM, of Glenmore Park. In August 2017, Australian Clearance Diving Team 1 was called on to recover three missing United States marines from the wreckage of an MV-22 Osprey—a military aircraft. In what was a demanding and hazardous dive, the efforts of Leading Seaman Palu in overcoming a challenging environment and malfunctioning equipment guaranteed the return of the body of a marine to the grieving family. He said, 'We had a job and we got it done.' But this was no ordinary job.

The Royal Australian Navy notes that no Australian clearance diver has recovered human remains from a ditched aircraft at that depth in recent history. Leading Seaman Palu was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal, citing his meritorious devotion to duty. Leading Seaman Palu's devotion to duty is unquestionable, as is his courage, determination and dedication. This truly was bravery at its best and I congratulate Leading Seaman Palu on his recognition.

Also receiving recognition on Australia Day this year was Mr Shaun Danby, ACM, of Kingswood. Shaun started with the Department of Juvenile Justice in New South Wales as a vocational instructor back in 1996. Since 2017 he has been the Corrective Services Industries Operations Manager, leading a team on construction, emergency and urgent building and maintenance works. Shaun develops inmates through managing, coaching, instructing and encouraging the members of his team to help improve their skills and experience, helping them to get a job after their release and to become productive members of the community. Shaun's citation notes that he is, 'a selfless and committed leader and his dedication is exemplary'. Typical of the humble fashion in which he goes about his work, Shaun attributed his success to his team but it is appropriate that he has been recognised with the Australian Corrections Medal.

Mr Eric Easterbrook, OAM, of Emu Plains received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to the community, particularly to war widows and their families. Eric served our country in the Royal Australian Air Force for 20 years before serving as a public servant for another 22. As the Vice-Chairman of Legacy Australia Eric is an integral part of Legacy's efforts to support the families and loved ones of Australian Defence Force members who gave their lives, or who helped during or after their service to our nation. Eric has done all of what the member for Berowra notes as 'a range of fields of service to our community'. He is a member of Legacy, a volunteer for the Uniting Church, a leader of the Emu Plains Lions Club, a member of local sports including Emu Plains Soccer Club and the Little Athletics. He was a volunteer with Blaze Aid and with National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW—so much for our community. I was proud to meet Eric last year and talk about the work he was doing in our community in encouraging younger people to take part.

Warrant Officer Christopher William Rohweder, CSM, of Glenmore Park was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal. He was recognised for his meritorious achievement in the training and development of the Australian Defence Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Remediation Program. He is known for being an outstanding professional who displays exceptional dedication to duty. His development of innovative assessment and instructional tools, subject matter expertise and professional work ethic were crucial to achieving a successful trial of the new course that has delivered improved training outcomes and a number of resource efficiencies that have advanced defence capability.

I am so proud to represent the people of Lindsay. We are all proud of our community and what it has achieved—particularly to have Leading Seaman Steven Palu, CSM; Mr Shaun Danby, ACM; Mr Eric Easterbrook, OAM and Warrant Officer Christopher William Rohweder, CSM, as members of our community. They truly are outstanding citizens. I am particularly pleased of the work that is being done to encourage younger people in our community to serve as well. I congratulate all of them on their Australia Day honours and look forward to their ongoing contributions to our community of Lindsay.

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