Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to acknowledge this year's winners of the Australia Day awards in the Richmond Valley. Congratulations to Sonya Marks, who was awarded the Emergency Services Medal. Citizen of the Year was given to two deserving recipients: Michael Pontefract and Patrick Power. Michael was recognised for his significant contribution to the Richmond Valley community through his work of 40 years as a lifesaver, a Rescue Jet Ski workplace trainer and assessor and the coordinator and treasurer of the Charcoal Inn Charity Club. Patrick received Citizen of the Year for serving as a medical officer for Casino rugby for 43 years, acting as a mentor for young players, supporting the Casino women's rugby team and being a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation, St Vincent de Paul and the Red Shield Appeal.

Isabella Ennever was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year award for her representation of youth in rural New South Wales. Jacob Urell was awarded the young volunteer of the year award for his time spent with the Evans Head Surf Life Saving Club, patrol member, nippers and carnivals and helps with fundraising. Dorothy Sullivan was recognised for her volunteer work in the community spanning more than 50 years, including volunteering for the Casino Historical Society, P&C committees, school canteens, Casino Show, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Casino Beef Week and Friends of Windara.

The young sportsperson of the year award went to Abbey Urell—the second one for her proud parents—for her dedication to the support of open-water swimming. Abbey is a member of the Evans Head Surf Life Saving Club and has been the Evans Head Casino nipper of the year for the past three years.

Noah King was awarded sportsperson of the year for being a good role model for the juniors teams and is respected by teammates and opposition.

Congratulations and thank you to all the very worthy award winners.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate members of my community who received OAMs and Australia Day awards at the Coffs Harbour city council awards. Leonard Leete of Sapphire Beach was awarded an OAM for his service to the community through emergency response organisations. Citizen of the year went to David Law for his expert student tutoring in sonography, nursing and chemistry as well as junior sports coaching. Kath was awarded the senior citizen of the year for being a passionate advocate for the growth and development of her community. The Young Citizen of the year went to Gurpreet Singh, who volunteers his time to coach and mentor young talented soccer, AFL and rugby league players. Riley Saban was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year for being a role model for people with disabilities. He is certainly that. Thank you and congratulations to all the worthy award winners.

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate members of my community who received Australia Day awards in the Kyogle. Kevin Donaghy was awarded Citizen of the Year. He's dedicated his time for 15 community organisations over the last 43 years. Senior Citizen went to Anne Riordan, who for 40 years has volunteered tirelessly for many organisations as well. Noel Bodycote was awarded Senior Sportsperson of the Year for his dedication to Kyogle lawn bowls. Oscar Kenna was awarded Junior Sportsperson for his outstanding achievements as well. Congratulations to all the award winners.

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