Tuesday, 21 June 2022

 Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development) (12:37): Congratulations to Macedon locals Marg Dearricott, Malcolm Clive Grant and Christine Nolan on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday holiday.

Marg Dearricott, who is known to so many on this side of the chamber, is the embodiment of community activism and has been rightly recognised for her service to the Kyneton community spanning four decades. This includes as the secretary at the iconic Kyneton Daffodil Festival, president of Kyneton Zonta, secretary of the Kyneton ALP branch, founding member of Friends of Kyneton Botanic Gardens and Kyneton Connect editor.

Thank you also to Malcolm Grant, who achieved his recognition for his service to the Gisborne community over 52 years. Malcolm was instrumental in the campaign to get a dedicated ambulance station in Gisborne and also served as the inaugural president of the Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society and a founding member of the Gisborne Olde Time Market and is a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club of Gisborne.

Finally, my gratitude to Trentham local Christine Nolan, who was awarded her OAM for dedicated service to social welfare organisations across Australia. Christine has worked as a committed professional across the social welfare sector, including as an independent decision-maker for the national redress scheme, chief executive officer of the Breast Cancer Network Australia and secretary of the Queensland Domestic Violence Council.

On behalf of everyone in Macedon I would like to extend a huge congratulations to Marg, Malcolm and Christine. Thank you for the contributions you have made locally and nationally. Our community is proud of you.