Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (13:34): "Humility", "sacrifice" and "service to others" are commonly used in describing Theo DeChaufepie, who was awarded an Medal of the Order of Australia [OAM] for his service to veterans and their families. Theo's involvement with the local Returned Services League of Australia and his ongoing volunteer work to look after veterans and their families, both mentally and physically, is much admired. Being able to access vital support services is part of the recovery process for all returning service men and women.

Theo particularly wants to encourage younger people to access services, especially mental health services. True to his humble nature, when Theo found out that he had been awarded the OAM, his first thought was that were many other people more worthy than him. Theo served our country with honour as a medic in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps in Vietnam; now he serves our community with the same level of dedication in looking after veterans and their families — and he has done so for more than 20 years. I take this opportunity to thank Theo and recognise a true local hero who has put other people's needs above his own throughout his life.