Hon. Maxine Morand and Dr Catherine Duncan
Mr FREGON (Mount Waverley) (12:19): I rise to congratulate the Honourable Maxine Morand and Dr Catherine Duncan, who were both awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day honours. Maxine Morand, who we well know in this place, has been recognised for her significant service to the Parliament of Victoria and community health. Maxine began her professional life not in politics but as a nurse and Victorian transplant coordinator. Her significant contribution to our health system cannot be underestimated, especially her tireless work for the benefit of Victorian women. Maxine Morand was elected to the Victorian Parliament as the member for Mount Waverley in 2002. Her legacy as a passionate and formidable advocate in the portfolio of children and early childhood development and as Minister for Women’s Affairs can still be seen today in the groundbreaking reforms of this government and also led to her introduction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2020.
I would also like to congratulate Dr Catherine Duncan, a distinguished Mount Waverley resident, who has been recognised for her significant service to medicine in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology and to professional associations. She has brought into the world many new members of our community and supported women through some of the most important times of their lives, often walking the short walk late in the evening up to Waverley Private Hospital. Amongst her many roles in professional associations, Dr Duncan also served as national president of the Australian Federation of Medical Women and vice-president of the Australian Medical Association’s Victorian branch. The recognition of these two formidable women is well deserved.