Former long-serving Member for Ballina Don Page and community fundraiser Mary O’Brien are among the locals honoured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Page has received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “for service to the Parliament of New South Wales, and to the community.”

He served as the Member for Ballina from 1988 until his retirement in 2015. His parliamentary career included three years as Minister for Local Government and Minister for the North Coast, and he was Deputy Leader of the Nationals from 2004 to 2007.

Since retiring, Mr Page has remained actively involved in supporting local causes, particularly in community and economic development, and continues to mentor National Party members.

Mary O’Brien also receives the OAM, “for service to the community of the Ballina region.” She was previously named Ballina Shire’s Citizen of the Year in 2015.

Ms O’Brien has long been a prominent advocate for human rights and has raised funds and worked for numerous local charities, including St Vincent de Paul and the Ballina Lighthouse Day Club, which she helped to establish. She has also been an outspoken supporter of refugees and a key member of Ballina Region for Refugees.

“I believe in human rights for everyone, regardless of nationality, bank balance or employment,” Ms O’Brien said upon receiving her Citizen of the Year award.

“It puts the spotlight on the causes you are passionate about and increases awareness of the many volunteer organisations within our community. It also honours all volunteers — and I was both proud and humbled to receive the award on their behalf.”

Also honoured this year is John Bennett OAM, a founding member and benefactor of the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF).

The NRCF has donated more than $10 million to local charitable causes over the past 21 years and has played a major role in supporting community recovery efforts following the 2022 floods.

Main Photo: Don Page, (centre) on the job during his 27-year-term serving as Member for Ballina (source: Facebook)