Tuesday, 7 March 2023

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (13:02): I would like to congratulate local St Albans residents who were recognised in the Australia Day honours list for 2023. In particular, huge congratulations to Charlie Desira. Charlie received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his incredible service to the community. Charlie, a Maltese migrant, is the driving force behind Holy Eucharist Loaves & Fishes Foodbank, which has been running for over 30 years. Every week, each day Charlie delivers food parcels for those who are in most need and never shies away from working hard.

Congratulations also to Bozena Iwanowski for receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia for her volunteer work as well. Bozena migrated from Poland in 1989 and works tirelessly for Polish Community Care Services. The Polish community’s contribution to the west and across Victoria has been invaluable. A good friend, Bozena works not only for Polish Community Care Services but also volunteers on a number of other platforms, whether it is women’s services or the Polish Community Council of Victoria, and continues to work incredibly hard for her local community. Thank you, Charlie and Bozena, for your generous hard work and dedication to service and of course your commitment to our community.