Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

If the community around her were a ship, Linda Harris would be at the helm. Linda is a trailblazer, a female mayor when they weren't all that common; a female director of the Canegrowers association, when there hadn't been one before her; and a champion for Tiaro district, all while being wife to Mal and mum to Kerry, Gaye and Anna. Linda steered her community through the rough waters of local government amalgamation and then fought for Tiaro's share from the new amalgamated council. Even in retirement, Linda's steadfast commitment to Tiaro and the Fraser Coast continues. At 73, Linda is still working in her community for the new Tiaro bypass, volunteering for Rotary, conducting meetings and functions, catering, fundraising and organising. Linda volunteers with the Tiaro & District Chamber of Commerce, the Tiaro Visitor Information Centre, the Tiaro community hall and the Liberal National Party.

As they say, anyone can steer a ship when the sea is calm. It takes an experienced hand to navigate difficult situations, and Linda is someone whose compass I look to for guidance in our combined desire to make sure that Tiaro and the Fraser Coast move forward. Congratulations, Linda Harris OAM, on your well-deserved award in the Order of Australia.