MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:15): It is with great pleasure that I rise today to note that 28 Western Victoria constituents have been recognised with Australia Day awards. Three became AMs—members of the Order of Australia—20 were awarded Medals of the Order of Australia, two received Australian Fire Service Medals and there was one medal recipient in each of the emergency services, public service and ambulance service categories.
It stands out so clearly that these are outstanding contributors to the fabric of our community life and are focused primarily on their local communities. Within that, the work they have done is diverse, ranging from service in local government and helping to develop community infrastructure through to the CWA, emergency response, sport, conservation and environment. Some, having moved over time, have contributed with equal vigour to new communities as well.
Among the OAM recipients is Peter Forster from Anglesea. Peter’s background is in sheep farming around the Ararat area. He threw himself into Landcare, CFA and leadership roles in the Environmental Farmers Network and the Upper Hopkins Land Management Group. Now in Anglesea, Peter and another OAM recipient, Carl Rayner, have built the membership of ANGAIR—the Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna. They work in support of the Great Otway National Park, Surf Coast national reserves and Crown land along the Great Ocean Road. ANGAIR very much reflects Peter’s approach of organising partnerships with school students, local groups and organisations. Western Victoria can be very proud of the efforts of all of these fine individuals.