Julian Simmonds (Ryan, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I commend the member for Berowra's motion and acknowledge those outstanding individuals who joined the Order of Australia on 26 January this year. Recently I had the privilege of recognising 12 local heroes in my electorate who received an Order of Australia for their distinguished service to our community and the nation more broadly. I was delighted to recognise 11 constituents in the Ryan electorate who recently joined the general division of the Order of Australia and one who joined the military division of the Order of Australia. The first was Sue Thompson, who was awarded an OAM for her longstanding service to music education in Queensland. Sue has taught piano for 45 years and has obtained just about every honour in the music sector that you could imagine. At 94 years of age, she still teaches 10 students, who continue to excel in their studies.

There was also Bronwyn Sheehan, the founder and CEO of the Pyjama Foundation, who was awarded the OAM for her tireless work helping the youth in our local community. Bronwyn plays an instrumental role for children in foster care. She started the Pyjama Foundation in 2004 to provide a service that could offer practical, hands-on support to foster children, which is so very important. There is Kirsty Brown, another member of my electorate, who became a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to our youth through Scouts Queensland. She was very humbled and honoured to be recognised for her selfless efforts this way. I know she didn't do it for the recognition but for all those scouts she has helped mentor. She has been involved in Scouts Australia for years, and, whilst she has never sought recognition, she has been devoted in her service. Also among the recipients was Thomas Ryan, who received an OAM for his work in medical research and to rugby union—a talented individual across a number of jurisdictions. Finally, Warrant Officer John Franklin was added to the military division of the Order of Australia for meritorious service as a sergeant major of the band of the 1st Regiment in the Royal Australian Artillery.

I am very privileged to commend such worthy individuals from the Ryan electorate to the House today. It is people like Sue, Bronwyn, Kirsty, Thomas and John, who sacrifice an enormous amount of time and energy, that make Australia and the Ryan electorate such a fantastic place to live. It is their contribution to the local community and recognising it that will inspire others to step up and lead by example, just as they have done. It is so important to recognise our local heroes, whether it be through the OAM process or just in general.

This year it is important to recognise the other local heroes—those who have worked on the COVID-19 vaccine at the University of Queensland. Although a vaccine hasn't come out of their work, they worked tirelessly day in, day out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, particularly through the Christmas period, to produce their very best work on behalf of Australians. I thank all of those involved in the University of Queensland research and all of those from the Ryan electorate who received honours in the Australia Day list.

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