Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education)

Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021:

I am pleased and proud to acknowledge the 27 members of Western Victoria whose contribution has been recognised in our most prestigious awards, the Order of Australia.

These Victorians encompass extremely varied fields, but all have some aspect of community at their core.

Rosemary Nugent, awarded an OAM, is a great example of a person who is heavily invested and immersed in the Geelong and regional community.

Her broad-based engagement ranges from interest groups and community education through to advocacy for cultural and policy change.

In her many activities Rosemary pursues her core values of equality, access to life opportunities for all, and a compassion for all.

She has provided leadership, mentoring and encouragement along with her organisational skills to a diversity of groups at the local level, and for communities in Timor-Leste.

Rosemary is much valued for her work, her ability to initiate and organise projects, and her ongoing commitment to improving quality of life for many.

Mannerim’s Richard Underwood, also an OAM recipient, has similarly been a lifelong contributor.

Portarlington’s annual mussel festival owes much to his leadership since 2009, during which time the festival has grown to be an iconic and important annual event on the Bellarine.

Richard’s involvement in other fields in Geelong and beyond has been longstanding and extensive.

Richard is a very strong advocate for volunteering, and his contribution has spanned football umpiring and administration, organisation of events, and extended contributions to local football-netball clubs and schools.

His advocacy and hard work were important factors in numerous community facilities.

I congratulate all Queen’s Birthday Order of Australia recipients and thank them for enriching the fabric of our lives.