Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge the achievements of three Central Coast residents who have been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List. Philip Donnelly of Killcare was awarded the medal for his service to the Indigenous community through many sporting and charitable initiatives. Phil is also the president of the Bouddi Society, which organises events and publications related to the arts and to community, social and environmental issues. Last year, the society staged the Arts Festival 'Bouddi at Bells', held at Bells at Killcare, where around 600 people helped to raise $25,000 to support young artists in my community.

Shirley Templeton of West Gosford was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to women and to the Gosford community. Ms Templeton has had extensive involvement in numerous community organisations, including the Country Women's Association of New South Wales, Girl Guides Australia and Meals on Wheels.

And another outstanding Central Coast resident, Leonard Sargant, has been awarded an OAM for his ongoing long-term service to Gosford. Len is a local champion. He is the vice-president of the Gosford Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the treasurer of the Gosford RSL Sub-Branch, where he is also a director and life member. He was also a state councillor of the Central Coast Region at ClubsNSW from 2009 to 2013.

The Central Coast is privileged as a community to benefit from the contributions of Philip, Len and Shirley. They join the company of several other men and women of outstanding calibre, and I thank them.