POLITICS
Recognising local champions with Ed Husic MP with Ed Husic , MP
I want to recognise the terrific citizenship ceremony brought together by Blacktown City Council on Australia Day . It ’ s always an honour to attend these ceremonies and be part of the personal chapters in people ’ s lives as they take that huge step towards citizenship .
That day , as well , is used as a backdrop to recognise champions who make a difference in our community .
I want to make special mention of Blacktown Citizen of the Year Rachael Hanlon for her tireless — genuinely tireless — efforts through the Blacktown City Lions Club .
I ’ ve known Rachael for years and I know how hard she works . For example , she works to support fundraising drives to help the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital , gets involved in Indigenous reading collection drives and also , importantly , takes leadership roles in local initiatives to tackle domestic violence .
In her 10-year campaign , Rachael has helped raise over $ 400,000 and delivered $ 500,000 worth of food donations to support people in need in our area .
I want to extend my deep thanks and congratulations to her not just for winning the award but for what she ’ s done to make a difference in people ’ s lives .
Recognised on the day as well was Ebony O ’ Connor , who was awarded the city ’ s Young Citizen of the Year award for outstanding achievement and dedication to youth initiatives through the Blacktown Youth Advisory Committee .
I acknowledge the Environmental Citizen of the Year , Ariana Goanta . Ariana was recognised for her contributions in promoting recycling and teaching others how to look after wildlife .
And congrats to the Rotary Club of Blacktown City , who received the Community Event of the Year award for their successful seniors Christmas lunch .
On Australia Day there were a number of Chifley people honoured with the Order of Australia . Deep congrats to Dr Amanda White OAM , who has rightly earned that abbreviation at the end of her name , for her remarkable service in the tertiary education sector , and to Mr Francis Avis OAM for his outstanding work in broadcast media .
I also recognise Alexa Player , a young girl from the Blacktown District Girl Guides , who has received the Queen ’ s Guide Gold Endeavour award ; that will be awarded to her formally later this year .
It is the highest attainable recognition for youth members of Girl Guides Australia . Well done to Alexa .
Finally , late last year I attended the Mount Druitt and Blacktown Police Awards . One of the officers acknowledged was Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald , someone I have known for quite some time , with a
Ed Husic at the Blacktown City Council Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony .
dedicated service of 36 years . Congratulations to Bob on the award he received , and to other police officers from our area on awards received . Thank you for your hard work and courage to help keep our community safe .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 36 // MARCH 2024 19