David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I acknowledge and pass on my best wishes to the multiple Australia Day award winners of the Medal of the Order of Australia. My first congratulations goes to Trish Nicholls, a Forster local, for services to basketball as an accomplished statistician, including the statistics involved in the Sydney Olympics and other many world events, and to Laurieton resident Adele Whelan, with over 50 years experience in services to Little Athletics through administrative roles. I'd like to recognise Great Lakes local Julie Brady for her service to the community through social welfare organisations, particularly establishing a women's shelter and providing a safe haven for women and children escaping domestic violence. A posthumous award went to the late Roger Lynch, who passed away in 2021, for his services to the Great Lakes region, not only as an accountant and businessmen but also in many community sports. It was a well-deserved award, and the award was accepted by his wife, Jan. I also recognise Ken Cameron of Marlee for his contribution of services to the Rural Fire Service and the Marlee community over many years. The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to Julie Wilcox of Forster. In the Military Awards, a Conspicuous Service Cross has been awarded to Wing Commander Benjamin Sawley of Luskintyre for his outstanding service as commanding officer of the No. 1 Flying Training School of the Royal Australian Air Force. I'd also like to congratulate Wauchope Bowling Club President Rick Simpson and all the members for their $1,000 donation supporting the Wauchope District Memorial Hospital, and the Kendall Tennis Club, who supplied another six ball kids for the prestigious United Cup, an international teams tournament held from 27 December until 5 January in Sydney and Perth. Trevor Coles, 76 years young, is the most senior competitive cricket player in the Camden Haven, and he played for the New South Wales cricket over-70s division second side when they won national championship. Joel Fleming of the Forster Aquatic Swim Club competed in the South Australian State Open, making the finals of all events.

It was heartbreaking to hear of the Laurieton Fishermen's Co-Op, which was destroyed by fire recently. The cause is still unknown at this stage while police investigations continue. On the upside, many community events have been organised to help the displaced fishermen whose livelihoods are in jeopardy, whilst plans are being worked on for the rebuilding and the reconstruction of the co-op, which had been operating since 1946. For all of those who have contributed to help the fishermen's co-op get up and running, I salute you. That's what makes the Lyne electorate such a strong community.

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