Australia Day Honours

I am aware of four OAM recipients from the Lyne electorate in the Australia Day honours, and they will be formally announced tomorrow. The four have received their honours for community work in and around the Mid-North Coast, whether in the local arts, through local service groups, through local woodcraft and conservation, or through local court and gaol support. Congratulations to each on their well deserved recognition. This emphasis in our region on the local volunteer is important. In my view, if there is one characteristic that defines us in Australia, it is the commitment to volunteering. This was on full show over the past month where complete strangers were helping each other through the floods in Queensland, northern NSW and Victoria, and it is a characteristic that I hope is celebrated as a core Australian trait today. Hopefully, when you go to a local celebration throughout the region today, follow the smell of snags and billy tea, and more than likely you’ll find someone from your neighbourhood who is cooking - volunteering - for no reward other than a stronger, better, happier community. If you get the chance, please say thanks and make them feel extra special. This Australia Day is one for the volunteers. As they all should. Have a happy and enjoyable Australia Day.