Address to the Federation Chamber - STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS - Bean Electorate: King's Birthday Honours

Monday 19 June 2023

Congratulations to some extraordinary residents in the electorate of Bean who last week received national recognition for their service to our local community and Australia: Berwyn Clayton, for her significant service to the vocational education and training sector, particularly in research; Mrs Caroline Hughes, for decades of service to our local First Nations people and community, including through AIATSIS; Mrs Elizabeth Harding, for her service to youth; Mr Barrington Jarman, for his service to Australia-Japan relations; Mr David Kerr, for his service to conservation and the environment; Mrs Nishi Puri, for her service to the Indian community of Canberra and to multiculturalism; and Mr Arun Venkatesha, for his service to the Indian community of Canberra.

These humble Canberrans were largely caught off guard by this recognition. They have made, and continue to make, substantial contributions to our community. Some are volunteers; others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles; many have done both. All of them have something in common—people recognise the difference they have made to their community and country. I urge those in the community to take the time and nominate someone whom they believe has made a significant contribution. These extraordinary recipients would not have been recognised last week, and today, if it were not for the gesture of a friend, colleague or collaborator in submitting a nomination.