Member for Barwon honours local achievers and community contributors

IN SHORT

• Member for Barwon Roy Butler has formally recognised nine community members in Parliament for their service and achievements
• Those honoured included Richard Blackman OAM, John Elliott OAM, Alistair Ferguson OAM, Raymond Hughston OAM, Aunty Gladys Walford, Alice Gordon, Michelle Wheeler and Mariah Delaney
• Vale Doug Carroll was also acknowledged, with condolences offered to his family for his community contributions

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has used his time in Parliament to formally recognise nine community members who have made significant contributions across the electorate.

The community recognition statements, delivered during the recent sitting week, honoured individuals for their service, achievements and dedication to regional communities.

Among those recognised were Richard Blackman OAM and John Elliott OAM, both recipients of Medals of the Order of Australia for their community service.

Mr Butler also paid tribute to Alice Gordon, Aunty Gladys Walford, Alistair Ferguson OAM, Michelle Wheeler, Mariah Delaney and Raymond Hughston OAM.

Vale Doug Carroll was also acknowledged in Parliament, with Mr Butler offering condolences to his family and recognising his contributions to the community.

Community recognition statements provide members of Parliament with an opportunity to formally acknowledge the achievements and service of constituents on the public record.

The Barwon electorate, as does all of Australia, relies heavily on community volunteers and local leaders to maintain essential services and support networks.

From sporting clubs to emergency services, cultural organisations to agricultural industry groups, community members contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to keep regional towns functioning.

Mr Butler's recognition of these individuals in Parliament ensures their contributions are recorded in Hansard, the official parliamentary record, and acknowledged at the state level.

The Order of Australia honours recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement. Recipients are nominated by community members and assessed by the Council for the Order of Australia.

The OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) is awarded for service worthy of particular recognition.

Community recognition statements are a regular feature of parliamentary sitting weeks, allowing all MPs to honour their constituents' achievements.