I congratulate Mr Franciscus Joseph Pikardt OAM on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the King's Birthday Honours for service to secondary education. Mr Pikardt has made an extraordinary contribution to public education on the Northern Beaches over many decades. His career included service as a science teacher at Narrabeen Boys, Head Teacher Science at Mackellar Girls High, Deputy Principal and Principal of Balgowlah Boys High, and Principal of Northern Beaches Secondary College, Freshwater Senior Campus. Through his leadership, he supported generations of students, teachers and families, leaving a lasting mark on local education. Mr Pikardt also contributed strongly to local sport, including as founder of the Warringah Volleyball Association, President of Warringah Sports Zone, and coach of NSW and Australian school volleyball teams. This honour is a fitting recognition of a career devoted to young people, learning and community. I congratulate Mr Pikardt and thank him for his outstanding service.
Read this Community Recognition Statement in the NSW Hansard here