I acknowledge Mrs Kristy Patricia Beecham, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for her service to the Narooma community.

Through the Narooma Ice Creamery and Café, and the Surf Beach Café, Kristy has created welcoming businesses that do more than serve customers. They create opportunity.

Kristy has supported Indigenous traineeships, high school work experience programs, and inclusive employment for people with disability, helping young people and residents build confidence, skills and a pathway into work. Beyond her businesses, Kristy has sponsored the Narooma Breast Cancer Appeal, Narooma Surf Club, Narooma Touch Football Club, junior and senior rugby league, and fishing competitions. During the 2019–20 bushfires, she was among those who stepped forward to support her community when it was needed most.

Kristy has also given her time as a coach and assistant coach in netball and supports the South Coast United Marlins girls' rugby league program. As previously recognised, in a Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation and Australia Day honours, Kristy is a hardworking and community‑minded leader.

I congratulate Kristy on this well-deserved honour and thank her for her outstanding service to Narooma and the wider South Coast.