Ms HALL (1:52 PM) —Last Friday, I presented the Commonwealth recognition awards for Australian seniors to 10 outstanding seniors in the Shortland electorate. The dedication and selflessness of the award winners were overwhelming. The award winners were: Neil Brown, who has worked tirelessly for the RSL at sub branch and district level; Joan Cheetham, OAM, who has dedicated her life to working for the seniors of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie; Wal Drane and his wife, Theda, who recently lost her battle with cancer, who have dedicated their lives to working for the Blacksmith community; and Keith Graham, who has committed his life to working for the community of Swansea. His commitment has covered everything from coaching sporting teams to meals on wheels and involvement in local resident groups. Other winners were: Bill Ham, who leads a group of volunteers who work long hours beautifying and caring for Belmont cemetery; Margaret Harnett, who received her award for her outstanding contribution to Charlestown Combined Pensioners; Bruce Kirkness, who worked long hours for Toukley and District Senior Citizens; Alex Sharp, another person who is dedicated to the community of Swansea; Catherine Smeal, who received her award for her work with the Royal Newcastle Hospital Pink Ladies and meals on wheels; and Patricia Wilde, who is a Telecross volunteer and the welfare officer at her local bowling club. I thank the award winners for their commitment to our community and for being there for other people.