Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I acknowledge and congratulate members of my community who received awards at the recent Australia Day Awards in Lismore. Colin Cameron received an OAM for services to broadcast media and to the community. Sophia Watt was named Lismore Citizen of the Year for her commitment to community by delivering thousands of meals to flood-affected members and by coordinating community volunteers and fundraising. That was a massive effort, and I thank and give congratulations to Sophie. Naomi Moran was named the Aboriginal Citizen of the Year for leadership in flood recovery by setting up a disaster recovery hub at the Koori Mail building. Ron Weir was awarded the Services in Community (Individual) Award for his 70-plus years of devotion to various community groups and over 40 years as club president and district governor of the Rotary Club—congratulations Ron. The Services in the Community (Group) Award went to the Love for Lismore Heart Space, which created a safe and welcoming environment for people to heal from the flooding natural disasters. The under-16's Far North Coast Baseball team was awarded the sports team award for winning the New South Wales Country Championships title in 2022 despite not playing a regular-season game at their ground due to flood damage at the Albert Park complex—an amazing effort. Joshua Herne was awarded the Senior Sportsperson Award for continuing to commit and excel despite losing his home and business in last year's devastating floods. Lachlan O'Sullivan was made Junior Sportsperson of the Year for his dedication and commitment across four sports as well as volunteering for umpiring and coaching. Thank you and congratulations to all of those winners.

I congratulate community members who were recognised at the recent Bonalbo Australia Day Awards. Citizen of the Year went to Paddy Kirkley, who does an enormous amount of volunteer work. She organises local competitions for the community, helps schools as secretary of the Bonalbo CWA and helped establish the Bonalbo Food Pantry. The achievement of Creative Arts Person of the Year went to Graeme Waldron for his artistic body of work that has won multiple art exhibitions, and for contributing to the Bonalbo art scene. The Community Organisation/Event of the Year Award went to the Art Alliance, who organise free workshops. The Young Citizen of the Year went to Alex Hampson, who developed an app to link youth to local support services. Congratulations to all those award winners.

I congratulate and acknowledge members of my community who received Australia Day Awards in the Ballina Shire Council area. Kerrie Gray received an OAM for services to the community—congratulations, Kerrie. Citizens of the Year were Rex and Di Farrell, captain and crewmember of the Wardell Rural Fire Service. Rex and Di showed an outstanding commitment to the Wardell community during February 2022 floods by assisting with rescues, setting up emergency evacuation centres and continuing assistance in the weeks and following months. I thank them for their efforts.

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