Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Members statements

King’s Birthday honours

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:37): I rise today to congratulate the 28 residents of Western Victoria who received King’s Birthday honours – six AMs, 20 OAMs and two Public Service Medals. As ever I am struck by recipients’ extraordinary level of volunteering in so many different activities and organisations as well as their outstanding leadership and achievement in professional fields.

Rose Hodge is an immensely positive influence in local government and the Surf Coast community. As a councillor for the last 19 years and a four-time mayor, Rose has encouraged and mentored others, but above all she has advocated for her community. Rose’s OAM reflects her extensive community roles, especially in schools and disability services and in local sport.

Portarlington Cricket Club stalwart Ian Caldwell has also provided decades-long strong, effective leadership in regional cricket. He has been a multiple office bearer on the Barwon region’s board in the Victorian Country Cricket League and in the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association, and of course after 500-plus games he is a life member of the Portarlington Cricket Club. Ian continues to umpire and plays for the Geelong Seniors. His OAM reflects a lifetime of volunteering.

Rieny Nieuwenhof’s OAM is for longstanding service to veterans and their families and to the wider community. A Vietnam veteran, Rieny gave leadership to the restoration of the Vietnam veterans avenue of honour and the memorial park in Geelong. He continues to work in veterans welfare, and on top of that he is the inaugural chair of the Eastern Beach community Anzac Day dawn service committee. I congratulate all who have received honours and thank them for their invaluable contributions.