Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (19:19): I congratulate Maitland's Australia Day award winners. I start with a very humble recipient, Dr Ronald Hacker, OAM, a scientist who dedicated his 50‑year career to the management of Australia's vast arid land. His work has taken him across Australia, to Africa and to the United States of America, studying how to best manage the rangelands of Australia, which make up more than 70 per cent of our land mass. I thank The Maitland Mercury for showcasing Ronald's achievements. Ronald was quoted as saying:

I've found over the years that trying to understand and manage natural systems is actually much more challenging than trying to manage agricultural systems, where as far as possible you can control all the inputs - in range you control very little.

He is a very wise person. I also recognise Dr Janece McDonald, Maitland's Citizen of the Year for 2023. Dr McDonald is a noted historian with a background in earth sciences. She has lived in Maitland for over 25 years, is the president of the Maitland Regional Museum, has been a member of the Maitland and District Historical Society since 2014 and has played a key role in organising the very popular annual Maitland Heritage Festival. Dr McDonald has been a member of the National Trust and Friends of Grossman House since 2004, and is a member of the Maitland Cultural Hub, Hunter Women's Network, Hunter Education Network, Hunter Innovation and Science Hub and Paterson Historical Society, and has sat on many Maitland City Council committees. I congratulate Dr McDonald on this well‑deserved recognition.

I also congratulate Maitland's Young Citizen of the Year for 2023, Lachlan "Lachie" Sheldon. He is an incredible young man. When I first met Lachie, he was surrounded by toys. Lachie has been instrumental in the Susan Roskell Toy and Gift Drive, which has provided toys for children across the Hunter and as far afield as Lismore since its inception in 2016. Inspired by and named in memory of Lachie's grandmother, the toy and gift drive provides Christmas toys for disadvantaged children. Lachie is an active member of Hunter Valley Grammar School and the Hunter Barbarian Rugby Club. Lachie can also be found participating in acts of community service with East Maitland Rotary Club, including Mother's Day flower stalls, which is great to hear.

Morpeth creative Angie Ussher was recognised as Creative Arts Person of the Year for her work in the fields of singing and teaching performing arts for nearly two decades in our community. She began her performing life while still at school in Sydney Opera House events and in the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics opening ceremonies in 2000. She has performed in over 50 musicals and plays, as well as directing and choreographing several others. She currently oversees a performing arts studio that makes music and musical theatre available and accessible to all ages and abilities. The studio adapts existing shows and also creates original works. She has held leadership positions with Maitland Musical Society and Maitland Repertory Theatre, and directed the CONDA Awards in Newcastle. Her passion for knowledge and learning about neurodiversity has strengthened her abilities and her love of teaching.

I also recognise Jack Edwards, Maitland's Sportsperson of the Year. Jack Edwards is a talented sportsperson on the field and court. In his role as a teacher at All Saints' College in Maitland, Jack coaches young athletes in the school's basketball, touch football and rugby league programs. He won the Dylan Hennessey medal as New South Wales Touch Player of the Year in 2023 and scored the winning try for the Australian Emus in the Trans-Tasman Test Series against New Zealand. For the past eight years, Jack has been captain of the Beresfield Men's Open Touch Football team and co‑captain of the Hunter Western Hornets. He has also represented New South Wales in its State of Origin squad and the Newcastle Knights, both in touch football. Jack is a longstanding member of the Maitland Mustangs basketball team. He is well deserving of this award.

Finally, I congratulate the City of Maitland Service Award winner, Brian Coffey, and the City of Maitland Medal winner, the Rotary Club of East Maitland. Brian, a former New South Wales police officer, has served the Rotary Club extensively. The club has been a strong advocate in our community and aided in fundraising nearly $25,000 for local community groups and institutions including Maitland Health Stays, East Maitland Women's Shed, Maitland Family Support, Carrie's Place and local high schools. It regularly aids in the removal of graffiti and has been involved in nearly every single event in Maitland. I congratulate all the award winners and thank them for their service—it is very much appreciated.