Jacqueline Falls

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to Jacqueline (Jill) Falls on her 2024 Jean Arnot Recognition Award. Jill Wright was born in Sydney and moved to Maitland in 1953. Jill joined the Young Wives Club at St Peter's Anglican Church in East Maitland, where her cake decorating skills where utilised at special events and occasions. In the 1970s Jill began painting porcelain brooches and plates donating works to charities, including the Royal Blind Society and Rotary. In the 1908's Jill began painting watercolours, and quickly developed into a multi award-winning artist. Jill won first prize at the Dungog A&H Art Show in 1983, and in 2024 at age 92, won first prize for watercolours at the Maitland Region Society of Artists. Jill has donated many of her beautiful watercolour works to the Macular Foundation, becoming involved with the organisation after she was diagnosed with macular degeneration in the early 2000s. Jill is a patient advocate for the Foundation, presenting on TV, radio, a panel hosted by Ita Buttrose, addressing politicians, including The Honourable Mark Butler MP and receiving an invitation to morning tea at Government House to meet Governor General The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO. Congratulations Jill on this recognition.