I would like to recognise and celebrate the life of Douglas Saxon from Fishing Point, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in this year's King's Birthday Honours, for service to education, local history and music.

Doug had a passion for local history and wrote 21 books including A History of Eraring and its School, Dora Creek Memories, Morisset Memories, Pit Props and Sleepers: The Story of Awaba and many, many more. He was also a passionate educator, being a senior academic at the University of Newcastle and Principal at Tocal Agricultural College.

Without a doubt, he helped shape the future of agricultural education in our region and beyond. But his work didn't stop there. Doug was heavily involved in the local music scene through the Newcastle and Hunter Jazz Club, where he helped bring people together through a shared love of music. He was also a tireless volunteer, active in groups like Rotary, Probus, Landcare, and community festivals. Doug Saxon was an admired and true community leader.

It is wonderful that his legacy has been officially recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia.