Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) — Congratulations to my good friend and long-serving community member, Ray James, on being awarded an OAM in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

In receiving this honour, Ray joins his wife Pauline, who earlier this year also received an OAM.

Both Ray and Pauline were recognised for their service to veterans, their families and the community.

A Vietnam Veteran, Ray served in the Royal Australian Navy for more than 20 years. He spent a further 26 years in the Navy Reserves.

Ray is the Acting President of RSL NSW and State Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. He was President of the Ingleburn Sub-branch from 2011 to 2019, where he has been a member since 2005.

Ray has also been the President of the Macarthur Sub-branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia since 2014.

Ray's active interest in supporting veterans extends to working to increase awareness, resources and funding to support veterans' mental health.

I commend Ray and Pauline's ongoing support for our veterans and thank them for their extensive contributions to our community.