Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Albert Einstein stated that, 'Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.' Every ear on the Queen's Birthday holiday, we as a nation get the opportunity to honour and acknowledge those who give their time to others within our community. All of the recipients of Queen's Birthday honours this year have made a significant contribution to our nation and each and every one of them deserves our utmost gratitude and respect. These awards are a measure of thanks from the Australian community and all those who have benefited from their service.

Today, I would particularly like to congratulate the people in my electorate of Higgins who have received some of the nation's highest honours: Professor Edwina Cornish, AO; Ms Judith Durham OAM, AO; Dr Alan Finkel, AO, AM; Emeritus Professor Philip Lake, AO; Mr Bruce Woodley, AO; Mr Richard Carter, AM; Dr Felicity Hawker, AM; Mr John Kirby, AM; Emeritus Professor Alan Lindsay, AM; Professor Jeffrey Szer, AM; Mr John Dillon, AM; Mr Kenneth Gilfillan, AM; Mr Angus Graham, AM; Mrs Gweneth Koczkar, AM; the late Mr Keith McGowan, AM; Mr James Marett, AM; Mr Geoffrey Pizzey, AM; Mr Richard Richards, AM; Mrs Pamela Warrender, AM; and, Mr John Bryan Westacott, AM. These individuals have made a significant impact in a wide range of areas from scientific research to higher education, to the arts and to sport. I pay tribute to their service and their accomplishments, and thank them for their sacrifice and perseverance.

Not everyone who works in our community gets recognised in the Queen's Birthday honours list. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those people who sacrifice their time for others.