Mr CLAYTON BARR (Cessnock): Congratulations to Max Lewis on being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding service to veterans and the Cessnock community. Max has dedicated his life to serving others. From his service in Vietnam to his unwavering support for veterans and their families, he has made a lasting contribution to our community. For almost 40 years, Max has been a passionate advocate for veterans in the Cessnock area. He has served as President of the Cessnock RSL Sub-Branch since 2000, leading countless commemorative services and continues to represent local veterans as a senior delegate to the state congress. Max was a driving force behind the establishment of Veterans Park at Aberdare and played a key role in ensuring the names of Cessnock’s World War II and Boer War veterans were added to the city’s war memorial. Never one to seek recognition, Max has always been motivated by a desire to serve others and make a positive difference in the community he loves. On behalf of our community, I thank Max for his decades of service, dedication and leadership. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.
