Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about some outstanding Territorians from my electorate who were acknowledged for the work that they do through the Australia Day Honours List. Three incredibly hardworking and community minded Territorians were made members in the General Division of the Order of Australia. They were John Vrodos, for his service to the Greekcommunity. He established the Hellenic Athletic Club and was president of the Greek Orthodox Community between 1995 and 2000.

Dr Brian Thomas Spain received his award for service s to medicine. Dr Spain was involved in the establishment of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre , which is based in Darwin . Dr Spain also provided crucial medical care to Bali bombing patients in 2002 and in 2005 .

Januario John Rivas received his award for his service to the Filipino community. John is an active and very hard working member of the F ilipino community. John is also well known in the community for his extraordinary teaching abilities. He has taught the current Lord Mayor , Katrina Fong Lim ; the current health minister , John Elferink and our candidate for Drysdale , Ben Hosking , among many others.

Sandra Ruth Johnson was awarded an Order of Australia for her contribution to the mining sector. I want to place on record my thanks to Sandra for all the hard work that she does in our community—an extraordinary lady, and I am very glad that she has won this. It is nice to see a friend be acknowledged for the work that they do.

Anne Su-Phin Tan won the Public Service Medal for her contribution to the public service in the Northern Territory— particularly around the areas of financial policy and development. She is another extraordinary Territorian who is a quiet achiever and we are very, very proud of her.

Ian Ross Lockley was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal . Sharon Louise Kearney took home an Emergency Services Medal —congratulations to both of them. A Conspicuous Service Medal was given to Lieutenant Commander Petrus Martinus Jonker for his border protection work. A n Australian Police Medal was awarded to Superintendent Mark Frederick McIntyre from the Australian Federal Police and Commissioner Reece Kershaw , who is the Northern Territory Police Commissioner. B y all accounts , Commissioner Kershaw is doing a fantastic job in redeveloping and redefining the Northern Territory Police Force. I would like to pay k udos to all the men and women in blue for keep ing our community safe.

Thanks again to all of the recipients for their service to our community. So on behalf of the people of Darwin and Palmerston—or the people of Solomon—I say thank you.