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

Right around the Central West of New South Wales, Australia Day celebrations were held with great pride. While I couldn't get to every Australia Day event in the Calare electorate, I attended celebrations in Oberon, Blayney, Bathurst and Portland before finishing the day in Yeoval.

Across Calare, three extraordinary Australians were recognised with Medals of the Order of Australia. Our warmest congratulations to Millthorpe's John Mason OAM, Gulgong's Beryl Hayley OAM—who, at 98 years young, is the oldest recipient in this year's general division—and the family of the late Yvonne 'Toot' Keegan OAM of Orange. They've made remarkable contributions to our communities and nation.

I also wish to acknowledge and thank all of our local Australia Day award winners and nominees. In Orange, Citizen of the Year went to the great Chris Colvin and Young Citizen of the Year to Anabelle van Wyk. Orange Running Festival received Community Event of the Year, and the Community Group of the Year is Blue MOTO. The Environmental Citizen of the Year is Neil Jones, and the Local Legend award went to Merrilyn Mendham.

In Wellington, Citizen of the Year went to Peter Lewsam, Senior Citizen of the Year was awarded to Marion Trounce, the Young Citizen of the Year is Mason Hill, and Young Sportsperson of the year went to Maddy O'Brien. The Services to Sport award went to Rod Pedron, and Community Event of the Year went to Wellington Amateur Theatrical Society for The Last Noel.

In Mudgee, well done to Citizen of the Year Carol Jones, Young Citizen of the Year Grace Pearce, Community Event of the Year Mudgee Lions Eye Health Program for children, recipient of the Glen Johnston Memorial Award (Music and Arts) Tyrolin Puxty, Sports Award recipient Chelsea Mottershead and Volunteer Services Award recipient Lorraine Stewart. Congratulations also to Wall of Reflections inductee David Lester.

In Blayney, Citizen of the Year was awarded to Maree Farr, Young Citizen of the Year went to Sophie Bannerman, Sporting Achievement Awards went to Jim Jeffery and Emma Grey, and the Volunteer of the Year is Deirdre Molloy. Community Event of the Year went to Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival, and Appreciation Award recipients were Kevin Radburn, Lyndall Harrison and Jan Dickie.

In Bathurst, well done to Citizen of the Year Karla McDiarmid, Living Legends Garth Dean, Paul Hennessy, Nola Ryan and Carol Smith, Youth Arts Award winner Paris Masters, Community Event of the Year Bathurst Gardeners Club Spring Spectacular, Destination Event 155th Royal Bathurst Show, Hall of Fame Event Mount Panorama Punish, New Event of the Year Natural Capital: Trees as an Alternative Crop conference, Joe Ross Memorial Award recipient Bernadette Wood and National Trust Award recipients the Bathurst Sisters of Mercy.

In Manildra, Citizen of the Year went to David Press, the Young Citizen of the Year is Claire Miller, and Community Group of the Year went to Manildra Swimming Club.

Congratulations to all of our local Australia Day award winners and all of the nominees. While time doesn't permit me to mention all of them today, I will honour them in a further speech to this House. They all make an invaluable contribution to our region and nation, and we are very grateful to them all.