I rise to congratulate longtime local educator Nicholas Magripilis on his recognition in the 2024 Australia Day Honours. Mr Magripilis – who is in fact my former Year 9 English teacher – received a Public Service Medal for his support for schools, staff and students in the Liverpool and Fairfield Local Government Areas, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, my community experienced some of the strictest stay-at-home orders and tightest learning from home directions in the state. Many households did not have adequate access to digital infrastructure, making online schooling measures extremely difficult. Mr Magripilis worked tirelessly both during and after the pandemic to support fractured families and communities. As part of this, Mr Magripilis initiated interagency support for struggling families experiencing financial stress, and used local schools as centres for triaging vital family support. My community still feels the effects of the pandemic today, and it is because of the tireless advocacy and efforts of community leaders like Mr Magripilis, that we are able to steadily rebuild community stability after extensive lockdown periods. Mr Magriplis is well-regarded and respected by his peers and community, and I wish him well.