Tribute to James Bennett OAM

Mr GREG PIPER ( Lake Macqua rie ) ( 13:16 :13 ): I pay tribute to James Bennett, who continues to achieve extraordinary things for people with impaired vision despite his own disability. Mr Bennett, from Fennell Bay, was last month acknowledged with an Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for his services to people who are blind or who have low vision. James and his trusty guide dog, Brogan, are a regular sight around Lake Macquarie as they go about their business of making the world a better place for so many. He has been a board member of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT since 2011. He is a regular guest speaker at schools and at community group meetings on behalf of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and other groups in the disability sector.

James is also a member of the Aged and Disability Services Advisory Panel for Lake Macquarie City Council, and a member of two national advisory panels. Since 2007, he has been the lead auditor and technical expert contracting to three major certification bodies in the disability services sector. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his OAM and thank him again for the extraordinary contributions he makes to Lake Macquarie and broader community.