Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Patricia Newton of Dee Why was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to surf lifesaving in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List. Patricia is a founding member of and heads the Traumatic Incident Peer Support team for Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches branch which provides a debriefing and support service to all surf lifesaving members involved in a critical incident. Her work has been invaluable in the field of peer support. Over many years she has been instrumental in ensuring the welfare and mental wellbeing of members. The team has supported a number of lifesavers who have suffered post-traumatic stress after a dangerous rescue or unsuccessful resuscitation.

In 1998 Patricia made Australian history by becoming the first female president of a surf lifesaving club in Australia when she was voted president of the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club. She has been a member of the club since 1983, also serving as junior president, deputy president from 1997 to 1998, member of the rules and regulations committee and a member of the life membership subcommittee from 2009 to 2010. I'm proud to acknowledge all that Patricia has done in this field and the tremendous effort she has made to helping those in need when they most needed someone's help.

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