Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to congratulate the nine exceptional Novacastrians who were recognised in the recent King's Birthday Honours List for outstanding leadership in their respective fields. Two Novacastrians were awarded Member of the Order of Australia, AM. I'd like firstly to congratulate the Hon. Graham Mullane AM, for his significant contributions to the judiciary, law and our community. Mr Mullane holds the distinction of being the first judge appointed from the Hunter region, in 1986. For over two decades, he dedicated his judicial service to family law at the Newcastle Registry of the Family Court of Australia. His commendable community leadership includes involvement with Scouts Australia and advocacy for the most vulnerable. The chairing of esteemed organisations like the Royal Newcastle Hospital board, the Hunter Institute of Mental Health's advisory board and the Hunter Aged Care Foundation further exemplifies his commitment to serving others. Newcastle says thank you to Graham Mullane for your lifetime of service.

Heartfelt congratulations to Mr Sean Gordon AM for his remarkable dedication to First Nations people and communities, as well as his tireless advocacy for equity. Mr Gordon has devoted his professional life to fostering reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, with a focus on education and representation. His involvement in the First Nations Constitutional Convention, which produced the Uluru Statement from the Heart, is testament to his instrumental role in advancing Indigenous rights. This historic statement has paved the way for the upcoming referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament in our Constitution. We honour Sean Gordon's courage and leadership with this well-deserved award.

I also want to acknowledge the following seven recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia. Ms Vivienne Allanson OAM, CEO of Maroba Caring Communities since 1994, has dedicated herself to the aged-care sector. Her extensive experience as a registered nurse, along with her role as a conjoint fellow at the University of Newcastle's School of Nursing and Midwifery, has earned her high regard. Her unwavering advocacy for older persons and commitment to positive change in the sector make her a fearless champion for older Australians.

Mr Ross Bingham OAM, the CEO of Ronald McDonald House in Northern New South Wales since 1996, was recognised for providing crucial support to hospitalised children and their families. Through various programs, his organisation ensures families can stay together and be close to the care that they need.

Dr Jennifer Buckingham OAM has been recognised for exceptional contributions to educational research and literacy. She collaborates with systems, schools and teachers to enhance literacy instruction and assessment. As the founder of the Five from Five project, she has empowered countless children with the essential tools for reading in every classroom, every day.

Dr Ian Cameron OAM was recognised for his service to medical administration and to rural and Indigenous health. Dr Cameron was born in Bourke, in the New South Wales outback, and worked there as a GP for a decade before moving to Newcastle in 1996. In Newcastle he took on the role of chief executive for the New South Wales Rural Doctors Network, a position he held for 20 years until his retirement. Dr Cameron has never forgotten his roots and remains a strong advocate for health care in the bush. He was also a conjoint lecturer at the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle. Thank you, Dr Cameron, for your passion and commitment to quality primary health care regardless of people's postcode or circumstances.

Mr John Conaghan OAM was recognised for service to people with Huntington's disease. As a senior social worker at the John Hunter Hospital, he has been instrumental, since 1985, in supporting individuals and families affected by Huntington's disease. His compassionate approach and unwavering support have made a significant difference in challenging circumstances.

Ms Elizabeth Grist OAM was recognised for service to community health and to nursing and midwifery. As the Hunter New England Health functional area commander, Ms Grist helped usher the Hunter through the COVID-19 pandemic. She was instrumental in developing the major COVID-19 vaccination clinic for our community, keeping Novocastrians protected and safe.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Mrs Patricia McMahon OAM for her service to the community through a range of organisations, including the RSL Women's Auxiliary, the Lioness Club, Probus, the bowling club, Meals on Wheels and the chamber of commerce. Her tireless efforts and longstanding commitment exemplify her remarkable service to the community. Her recent appointment as patron of the(Time expired)