Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland)—I rise to pay tribute to Nell Pyle OAM for her long contribution to the rich 'tapestry' of Maitland's cultural heritage. Although she was born in Sydney, Nell's family returned to live in Maitland when she was 12 years old. She attended Maitland Girl's High students at Grossman House in the Maitland CBD. Nell attended Armidale Teacher's College and taught at Stroud Central School, Wyong Public School, Beresfield Public School, East Maitland Infants School, Paterson Public School and Greta Public School. In 1947 Nell joined Maitland Repertory Society where she met her husband Doug. They married in 1949 and had three children. In 1970 Nell held the first of many parades and displays of clothing from her private collection of clothing and textiles. It was such a massive and impressive collection, that in 2005, a public meeting was held to discuss its future, which resulted in the establishment of the Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles Inc. In 2004, Nell was awarded the inaugural Maitland Medal for Service to the Community. In 2005 Nell was awarded the Order of Australia Medal [OAM] for "Social History through the media of writing, theatre and period fashion displays."