Tuesday, 18 February 2020

Dianne McGrath

Ms SETTLE (Buninyong) (13:49): I rise today to congratulate one of my constituents, Dianne McGrath, who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal. Dianne was awarded this honour for her tireless work on international humanitarian programs. She is the Ballarat president, state vice-president and on the national board of directors of Ryder-Cheshire. It is her incredible work with Ryder-Cheshire that has made a remarkable difference to the lives of thousands. Ryder-Cheshire is a volunteer charity organisation which, for over 50 years, has provided accommodation and care for those who are sick, have a disability or are destitute.

Dianne may be based in Ballarat; however, her compassion is felt much further abroad. Her work is helping people in Australia, Timor-Leste and in particular northern India. The Raphael project in northern India started in tents and now cares for over 200 children and adults as well as providing support for an additional 250 people with disabilities. This support includes housing, health care and education, and caters for those suffering from conditions such as leprosy and tuberculosis, amongst others. Dianne was surprised to hear she was to become an Order of Australia medallist, but said she felt incredibly humbled and amazingly honoured. In the manner that Dianne has become known for, she was also quick to point out that this award will be very much a sharing for volunteers for people who are suffering, people who have disability, people who wish to share with their children.