Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

Volunteers are the lifeblood of all our communities, and today I pay tribute to the citizens of the year, those people who have led the way in the Riverina and Central West. In Bland shire, Greg McIntyre, for the past 15 years, has created and sustained the Can Assist annual charity walk. It's one of Can Assist West Wyalong's biggest fundraising events, with a total of 943 walkers, 391 kilometres walked and $310,000 raised. Well done, Greg. In Coolamon shire, Paul Horan leads the way. Ardlethan born and bred, he's a long-term member of the local SES, and he's the fire captain for Beckom. He's involved with the Ardlethan Picnic Races and the annual Ardlethan Show.

Cootamundra Citizen of the Year, Garry James, has spent 37 years contributing to his local RSL, where he's been president and has held other positions. He's also a big supporter of Legacy. Cowra shire Citizen of the Year was Hellen Horton. Thank you, Hellen. She's a dedicated youth worker at the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre. She helps youths get their lives back on track. In Forbes, Paul Faulkner led the way, and his community spirit during the recent flooding had to be seen to be believed.

Gundagai Citizen of the Year, Phil Smith, was duly recognised for being a stalwart of Can Assist in that wonderful town. He's helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and awareness for cancer research et cetera. Harden Citizen of the Year, Grahame Taylor, has been a member of the Murrumburrah-Harden Rotary Club for 40 years and has been involved with so many organisations in those twin towns, such as Murrumburrah-Harden Flexible Care. He's also helped out with his carpentry skills to construct backdrops and scenery for the Young theatre company.

Junee Citizen of the Year was Gail Commens, and what a powerhouse and dynamo she is. She's the founder and chairman of the Junee Roundhouse Railway Museum, and she's also involved as president of Eurongilly's Country Women's Association. Keith Edgerton was Lockhart Citizen of the Year. He's been a Lockhart and District Aged Care Association stalwart for 30 years and a member of Lockhart Lions. He's done so many things with the Lockhart Bowling Club, the Lockhart Ex-Servicemen's Club, the Lockhart Local Health Advisory Committee—I could go on. Parkes Citizen of the Year was Bob Strickland. Bob has been tireless in his volunteering efforts for the Parkes community, with the Police Citizens Club, Parkes Centenary Committee, CareFlight, Southern Cross Village, Parkes Community Choir, and Parkes Can Assist.

In Temora, Ros Hartwig was Citizen of the Year, and we thank her. She's spent so much of her time with the Rotary Club, Quota Club and Red Cross. Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year was Alan Pottie. He's done so much for Wagga Wagga's Relay for Life and the Cancer Council. In Weddin shire, Glen Ivins was Citizen of the Year. I know Glen well. He's done so much with the Grenfell RSL sub-branch. He became its president in 2017, a position he still holds. Young Citizen of the Year was Christine Burnett, and she plays a major role in showcasing the region's vibrant art and cultural communities as president of Hilltop Arts. I say to each and every one of them: thank you.

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