Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Calare electorate is home to many outstanding Australians, a number of whom were honoured on Australia Day for their contribution to our communities and also to our nation. I would like to acknowledge them in the House this evening. In Wellington, Jan Montgomery was named Senior Citizen of the Year, Jill Phoebe was named Citizen of the Year and Jesse Mills was named Young Citizen of the Year. Kerry Goodworth won the Community Service and Achievement Award, Naylise Thompson was named Young Sportsperson of the Year, and Alistaire Thompson was named Senior Sportsperson of the Year. I would also like to make special mention of Marlene Jones, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, for her service to music and education and the Wellington community.

In Bathurst, Vicki Wilson was named Citizen of the Year for her outstanding contribution to Bathurst. Well done, Vicki. Caroline Harvey was named Young Citizen of the Year and Will Hazzard won the Youth Arts Award.

The Community Event of the Year was the 125th Anniversary of the Rockley Game, and the Destination Event of the Year was won by Mount Panorama Punish. Congratulations to organisers Jennifer Arnold and Stephen Jackson, and congratulations also to Ian McCartney, who won the Jo Ross Memorial Award in recognition of his efforts to improve the local environment. A special mention also goes to Roland Auguszczak, who was announced as a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the performing arts and choral music.

In Blayney, John Mason was the winner of the 2018 Blayney Citizen of the Year Award. It was a privilege to be there at that presentation. Jessica Jones was named Young Citizen of the Year and Barbara Anderson was named Volunteer of the Year.

The Millthorpe Public School Sesquicentenary Celebration was named Community Event of the Year. Congratulations to Principal Jo Jackett. Also, well done to Margaret Matthews, Bob Dickie and Julie Prosper, who all won the Appreciation Award.

In Orange, Friends Assisting the Community was named Community Group of the Year. Well done to Leona Baker, Kerry Foster and Robyn Colley. Sisters Ailish and Alanah Seedsman were both named Young Citizen of the Year, and Karlene Irwin was named Citizen of the Year.

The Orange Camel Races was named Community Event of the Year. Well done to organiser, Graeme Eggleston, who is a proud member of the Orange Lions Club. West Orange Motors won the Business Philanthropy Award. Congratulations Bob and Kay Craig for all of their good work. Congratulations also to Reg Golding, an old friend of mine, who won the Local Legend Award. He has many experiences of Australia, including his career as a drover. Well done, Reg.

In Orange, three local residents also featured in the Australia Day Honours List. I would like to make special mention of Kate Baxter, who was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to education administration in rural New South Wales and for training programs for Indigenous students and to the Orange community. Mary Brell was awarded an OAM for her service to the Orange community, particularly her work with the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak and involvement in the Nepal project.

A special mention also goes to Peter Robson of Orange, who received an AO for his service to business through research and development in government advisory and leadership roles in the manufacturing and industrial relations sectors, and also to engineering.

In Lithgow, Emma Martin was named Young Volunteer of the Year. Congratulations, Emma. She is certainly one of the people that our community is very proud of. The Volunteer of the Year Award in the open category was jointly awarded to Donna White and Kerry Guerin. The Young Citizen Achievement Award was presented to Hayden Way. The Citizenship Achievement Award was presented to Bev Coombs. The Services to the Community (Organisation) Award was presented to the teaching staff of Lithgow Public School Special Education Unit. The Outstanding Event Award was presented to Walk N Talk. Their work in the community is much appreciated.

In Portland, Ron Bidwell was named Citizen of the Year. Young Citizen of the Year was jointly awarded to Hayden Way and Alex Bretherton. The Community Event of the Year went to the Portland Business Association for its Christmas Festival. St Joseph's Primary School received an award recognising its achievement in staging a musical. Mia Dunleavy, Libby and Jorja Bailey and Tom Collins were recognised for their sporting achievements. Yashik Valabjee, best known for his work at the Portland Post Office, also received an award for his commitment to the local community. I would also like to recognise Edna Walton of Portland, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM, for her service to the local community. Cate Martin, my old friend, was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the Central Tablelands community.

In Wallerawang, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Colin Steele.

Lastly, but not least, in Oberon, Citizen of the Year went to Neil Francis. Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to both Hannah Dusselaar and Victoria Webb. Sportsperson of the Year went to Jackson Brien and Peter O'Neill. The Oberon Hotshots Under 11's Netball Team were named Sports Team of the Year. The Oberon Little Athletics Community Christmas Carols was named Community Event of the Year. Janet Clayton was named Volunteer of the Year.

Congratulations to all of the award winners in Calare on Australia Day. We are all very proud of you and we certainly appreciate your efforts.