Thursday, 23 June 2022

 Ms BURNETT-WAKE (Eastern Victoria) (10:13): Congratulations to each and every one of the people from Eastern Victoria Region who were recipients of awards in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours. I wish to congratulate OAM recipients Richard Elkington for service to the Traralgon community, Graeme Legge for service to emergency response organisations and the Emerald community and Joanne Andrews for her service to the community of Sarsfield. Congratulations also to Gary Howard of Sale, Sharyn Mullens Taylor of Tecoma and Donna Markham of Menzies Creek on receiving awards. Richard Cromb, who I personally know, of Olinda, is also an award recipient. He is a veteran volunteer of the Sassafras-Ferny Creek fire brigade. He oversaw the response in the tragic 1997 fires that tore through parts of the Dandenongs and is a respected community leader. Congratulations, Richard, on being awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.

I also wish to congratulate Billy Baxter, who was recognised for service to performing arts and radio; Helen Reid for service to the Pakenham community; Neil Cooper for his work with Volunteer Marine Rescue; Brenda Thornell for service to the Mornington Peninsula community; Jillian Smith for service to the community and education; and Margaret Rowe and Terri Allen for service to conservation and environment. Congratulations also to anyone I may have missed. Eastern Victoria Region is proud to have you all, and I thank each of you for the wonderful work you do for our communities.