Thursday, 6 February 2025

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (09:44): We have a wonderful, wonderful rich fabric of citizens in Eastern Victoria Region, and I will try and list today just some of the recipients of both Australia Day awards and local citizenship awards. The wonderful Emily Beecroft from Traralgon received an OAM. Emily is too young to be an OAM, but she has been at the peak of her swimming standards for the last 15 years. Congratulations to Emily and family. John Smith was recognised for his service to community through local charities such as Gippsland Youth Services and the Latrobe Valley food bank. David Williams from Leongatha is cricket mad – and rightly so – and has supported youth cricket and cricket clinics and camps for many, many years. Bill Newcomen from East Gippsland was recognised for his extensive work in the community and also in the CFA and sailing programs at the Metung Yacht Club. Helen Thompson has been involved in Landcare and environmental community projects. Michael Turner was also honoured in relation to emergency services and relief efforts in disaster times. Congratulations to Michael. Jane Roberts from Yarram was recognised as an outstanding teacher, particularly in innovation and methods for teaching in rural schools. Margaret Brown was honoured for her contribution to the arts, art festivals and community productions; Dr Peter Johnson in health; and Emily Harris OAM in health. There are many, many more: Linda Matthews, Robert Jenkins, Dr Fiona Clarke and Kylie Sage in Baw Baw, and Maxx Jenkins, congratulations, Young Citizen of the Year over there.