I'd like to congratulate Francis Kitcher from Speers Point on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday 2022 Honours List. Frank, as he is more commonly known to friends and family, was recognised for his services to rugby league and tennis. Frank was treasurer of the Country Rugby League Referees Association for 40 years and also served as a touch judge during that time.

He is a Life Member of the Newcastle Coalfields Referees Association and a former Life Member of the CRLRA, and therefore is now a Life Member of the New South Wales Rugby League Referees Association. I acknowledge and thank Frank for his service and dedication to sport in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter region.