See Echonetdaily‘s 2012 interview with former Ballina mayor Phil Silver.
Phil Silver, Ballina’s mayor for nearly a decade, is a medal recipient on the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Mr Silver, who was also very active in the disability sector, was honoured with an Order of Australia for his work in both local government and the community.
His 20-year tenure in local politics was matched by Ross Tucker, who was awarded for his 21 years on Byron Shire Council.
Mr Silver told ABC this morning the award ‘was recognition for the whole family, including my wife Virginia, because they’re the ones that let me pursue that career – and we did enjoy it.’
Six other north coast residents received Queens Birthday Honours, including: Mullumbimby doctor Michael Pellmore, long-time Yamba volunteer Joyce Bell, Tweed Heads aged welfare worker Finley Mackay, Woodenbong Justice of the Peace Eric Taylor, Townsend music teacher Gweneth Berman and Alstonville firefighter Kevin Gray.
Ross Tucker; Is it the same flat earth exponent who wrote in the paper he circulates, the Mullumbimby Star, that the Bentley blockade would be removed if it were raided by the ‘social security police’? He describes the Knitting Nana’s as having blinkers on. Gee, if we were all so clever and shared his flat earth theories on climate change life would be so much easier.
I know Phil Silver. I congratulate him on being honoured to receive the OAM. Well done Phil!
I do not know Fire Officer Kevin Gray who has now retired after nearly 52 years dedication as a professional and volunteer firefighter. The words ‘Well done’ seem inadequate for such a monumental career serving the community. Congratulations Mr Gray OAM, you deserve this honour. Enjoy your retirement, you have earned it!