Member for Barwon Roy Butler has used the floor of the Parliament of New South Wales to recognise a number of western community leaders, congratulating them on their Australia Day honours and local awards.

Speaking during Community Recognition Statements on 12 February, Mr Butler paid tribute to volunteers and health leaders from Wilcannia, Brewarrina, Bourke and Wanaaring, describing them as examples of the dedication that keeps regional communities strong.

John Elliott OAM – Wilcannia

Mr Butler congratulated Wilcannia grazier John Elliott on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year’s Australia Day Honours list.

“John has been involved in so many aspects of his local community that it is hard to list them all here,” he told the House.

Mr Elliott’s service stretches back to the 1960s, when he played for the Wilcannia Tigers Football Club before later becoming president.

He joined the Rural Fire Service in 1965 and remains an active member to this day.

He was a foundation member of the Emmdale Landcare Group, a former chair of the Wilcannia and District Hospital board, served as a Justice of the Peace and was a driving force behind the sealing of the Cobb Highway.

He has also been a board member of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a founder of the Emmdale Race and Gymkhana Committee and a member of the NSW 1/19 Battalion (the Bushman’s Rifles) in the Army Reserve.

“Much of his life has been dedicated to helping others and working for his community. John is a worthy recipient of the OAM,” Mr Butler said.

Alice Gordon – Brewarrina Citizen of the Year

Mr Butler also recognised Alice Gordon, recently named the 2026 Brewarrina Citizen of the Year.

He described Ms Gordon as “a dedicated member of the health community for rural and remote NSW”, noting her 17 years of service across child and family health, antenatal care and her pivotal role during the COVID-19 response.

Ms Gordon currently works as an Immunisation Officer with the NSW Public Health Unit, covering an enormous geographical area from Broken Hill to Bathurst and down to Wentworth, ensuring children receive critical vaccinations.

Her work in helping develop a statewide adopted upskilling program for clinicians has earned recognition for excellence in Aboriginal Health Care and Excellence in Multicultural Health Care.

“If this wasn’t enough, Ms Gordon is also a retained firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW and an active member across many organisations and community groups,” Mr Butler said, describing her leadership and commitment to Brewarrina as outstanding.

Alister Ferguson from Bourke was one of several deserving Western Plains residents to be recognised in parliament by Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

Alister Ferguson OAM – Bourke

Mr Butler also congratulated Alister Ferguson on receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Indigenous community of Bourke.

“His well-deserved award is for service to the Indigenous community of Bourke,” he said.

Born in Brewarrina, Mr Ferguson initially aspired to become a chef before working in the Attorney General’s Department, where he gained insight into youth incarceration rates.

That experience led him to the concept of justice reinvestment and ultimately to the founding of Maranguka in Bourke - a community-led, place-based initiative focused on reducing contact with the justice system.

Mr Ferguson has also served as Chairperson of the Bourke Aboriginal Working Party for more than ten years, is Deputy Chair of the Orana Haven Aboriginal Corporation and in 2015 received the Aboriginal Justice Award from the NSW Law and Justice Association.

“Alister works hard for justice and I am pleased to see his efforts recognised with an OAM,” Mr Butler said.

Raymond Hughston OAM – Wanaaring

Wanaaring’s Raymond Hughston was also acknowledged for receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community.

Originally from a property near Taree, Mr Hughston’s family moved to Wanaaring in 1964.

He became deeply involved in the Rural Fire Service, rising to Captain of both the Wanaaring Village and Wampralea brigades, and was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his role in the 2019–2020 bushfires.

Beyond the RFS, he has also volunteered with the SES, served as President of the Wanaaring Progress Association, been a trustee of the Wanaaring Memorial Soldiers’ Hall and contributed to the local Tennis Club, Golf Club and River Waters Association.

“His varied interests and volunteer roles take up a lot of his time, but he says he likes to help people,” Mr Butler said, adding that Mr Hughston is a worthy recipient of the honour.