The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (10:09): I move:

(1)That this House notes that:

(a)Mr Ron Vickress recently celebrated his 100th birthday with a gathering of family and friends at the Armidale Ex‑Services Club on 28 June 2025;

(b)Mr Vickress has dedicated his life to service, creativity and community—serving in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II as a signalman aboard HMAS Pirie and witnessing the historic signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Harbour in 1945;

(c)Mr Vickress has made significant contributions to the Guyra community, including as:

(i)a long-serving member of the Guyra RSL Sub-Branch and trustee of the Guyra War Memorial Hall;

(ii)a respected lecturer in English and drama at the University of New England [UNE] from 1972 to 1985;

(iii)an advocate for the arts, having performed in plays, stage works and musicals, and helped establish amateur theatre and swimming clubs;

(iv)a champion of social justice and Indigenous support services; and

(v)the recipient of the UNE Alumni Community Award and Armidale Regional Council's Senior Citizen of the Year.

(d)Mr Vickress received tributes from King Charles III, the Prime Minister, RSL NSW, University of New England and local dignitaries in recognition of his extraordinary legacy; and

(e)Mr Vickress, through his service with the Guyra Soldiers' Memorial Hall, holds the distinction of being the oldest trustee of any Crown land entity in New South Wales.

(2)That this House congratulates Mr Vickress on his 100th birthday and thanks him for a lifetime of service to New South Wales and the nation.

Motion agreed to.