Wednesday, 21 June 2023

King’s Birthday honours

Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (10:03): I rise today to acknowledge the achievements of two people in my electorate who were recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list. Firstly, Associate Professor Ravi Bhat was awarded an AM and has been recognised for his service to medicine and rural psychiatry. Associate Professor Bhat is currently the divisional clinical director of mental health services at Goulburn Valley Health, where he has worked for more than two decades. It is a testament to his dedication and passion to supporting regional communities like those in the Shepparton district. He is truly selfless, and in speaking about becoming a Member of the Order of Australia he credited his colleagues and psychiatrists at GV Health.

The second person I would like to acknowledge is a stalwart in our community and in the dairy industry, Brian Leslie. Mr Leslie was awarded an OAM for service to the dairy cattle industry, playing a part in founding International Dairy Week and his work establishing the inaugural All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp in 1987. He credits his success to fantastic mentors throughout his life and is now passing his knowledge on to the next generation. Our region is so fortunate to have people of this calibre committed to our communities and sharing their knowledge for the benefit of others.