Minister Congratulates Garry Mallard OAM

Tanya Plibersek, today congratulated public housing advocate Garry Mallard on receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Mr Mallard, a resident of Bega on the NSW South Coast, was awarded the medal today at Government House in Canberra for his work on behalf of public housing tenants.

Mr Mallard started his advocacy for public tenants when he became a director of Shelter New South Wales.

In 1988 he set up the National Tenant Support Network – an independent not for profit electronic network – which supports social housing stakeholders across Australia.

Mr Mallard has also provided great assistance to other tenant advice networks around the country.

“Garry Mallard is well known to me and my office through his tireless work advocating for public housing tenants across the country,” Ms Plibersek said.

“I congratulate Garry on this prestigious award. Garry has worked very hard to talk up the achievements of public housing tenants.

“He is walking proof of the benefits of public housing – proudly talking about how public housing has provided a stable and secure home from which he and his family can pursue opportunities.”

Mr Mallard is also an active member of his local community. He is a volunteer member of the Bega Eco-Neighbourhood Development (BEND) where his particular interest is in affordable public housing.

Mr Mallard also volunteers with local Rescue Service and is a member of the Bega Valley Shire’s social planning committee. A lover of wildlife and nature, he is also the local snake catcher in Bega.

Mr Mallard is married with five children.