23rd June, 2026.
On behalf of the Wollondilly electorate, I extend my congratulations to Mrs Kate Vines of Bowral, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division as part of the King's Birthday Honours for 2026. Mrs Vines received her honour for significant services to community health through cancer support. Like many people who serve, her journey in assisting others came as the result of personal circumstances, having been diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma in 1991. In 2012, she founded Rare Cancers Australia with her husband Richard, where she currently serves as a director. Rare Cancers Australia has a mission that it does whatever it takes to change the story of a rare cancer diagnosis through limitless support and relentless advocacy. Mrs Vines has also served as a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia and the National Oncology Alliance, and she has also served as an associate investigator on three cancer trials and studies. Mrs Vines was awarded the Jeannie Ferris Award in 2024 in recognition of her achievements. We are proud of Mrs Vines' efforts to make a difference for fellow cancer patients, and I congratulate her.
