Community Recognition Statement

Congratulations to Raby's Mrs Pauline James on being named as a recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year's Australia Day Honours List for dedicated service to veterans.

Pauline has been a long-term member of the Ingleburn RSL Sub-branch's Women's Auxiliary and is the current State President of the Returned Services League NSW Women's Auxiliary.

 Pauline's service to veterans has been largely inspired by her husband, Ray – a Vietnam veteran who served in the Royal Australian Navy.

The couple devote their time and energy to supporting veterans. Together, they work to increase awareness, resources and funding to support veterans' mental health.

Pauline instigated the Lest We Forget Quilt project to raise money for DefenceCare. Quilts are displayed at The Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park War Memorial and Anzac House in Sydney.

A quilt was presented to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in 2018.

Pauline's drive and enthusiasm know no bounds, whether helping grow the women's auxiliary, spearheading veteran campaigns or generating vital fundraising dollars.

I acknowledge Pauline's community contributions and her worthy OAM recognition.