Australia Day 2022: Full list of South Australian honours
One of SA’s most recognisable media identities, a beloved songwriter and dedicated conservationist are among SA’s Australia Day honorees. See the full list.
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South Australian food icon Maggie Beer has topped the local Australia Day honours lists, while well-known media and entertainment personalities, along with conservation and charity stalwarts have also been named among the community’s most noteworthy citizens this year. See the full list below.
Maggie Beer - AO
By Matt Gilbertson
Culinary queen Maggie Beer turned 77 last week, 12 years after being named Senior Australian Of The Year in 2010.
Now, Beer has been given a belated birthday gift by being named an Officer of the order of Australia.
“It’s obviously very humbling an a great honour, but you always feel there are so many other people who deserve recognition,” Beer said.
Recognised for distinguished service to the tourism and hospitality industries as a cook, restaurateur and author, Beer has also been honoured for her services to aged welfare.
“It was really when I was named Senior Australian Of The Year that my eyes were opened to the issues in aged care,” Beer said.
“Of course now the pandemic has really highlighted the plight of those who are so isolated. Just think if someone had dementia in a home where visitors can’t come and not being able to understand what’s happening. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been effected in someway and I think it’s sharpened the issue in many people’s mind.”
An icon of the Barossa, Beer also notes the ups and downs the pandemic has had on the tourism sector of the region.
“We had the big lockdown, but then we had a wonderful influx of people who were discovering the Barossa, many for the first time which was wonderful. Just when we thought things were on the way up, things have tumbled down. The toughness is keeping all of your team when you’re only doing 40 per cent business. The other side is the skill shortage. It’s hard for everywhere in the Barossa.”
Tomorrow Beer and her husband Colin will launch the first Churchill Fellowship in memory of their late daughter Saskia, after she died unexpectedly at the age of 46 in 2020.
“It’s really important for the family in honour of Sasi,” Beer said. “Colin was a Churchill fellow in 1978. The Churchill Fellowship was really the catalyst for our business to become what it is now. It’s that thing of it takes 20 years to become an overnight success.
The Saskia Beer Churchill Fellowship will be offered annually to national applicants with the criteria to be focused on artisanal food production and/or small-scale farming innovation.
Jane Doyle - OAM
By Matt Gilbertson
She’s one of our most recognisable television faces with a career spanning more than 30 years, but Channel 7 newsreader admits to being a little unsettled at being awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to broadcast media and to the community. “I’m a bit embarrassed about it in one way because the media side is my job,” Doyle said.
“The honour to me is that someone somewhere has been kind enough to consider that the other work I have done in the community is worth mentioning and I am deeply humbled by that. That’s the stuff that really gives meaning to the rest of life.”
Doyle’s community work has had particular focus in the arts, mostly recently in her position as the Chair of the Carclew Youth Arts Board from 2012 to 2021. She has also previously been the patron organisations such as the Adelaide Girls’ Choir, Mental Illness Fellowship of SA, the Flinders Foundation and Surf Lifesaving South Australia to name a few.
Doyle credits her parents with instilling a sense of community from a young age when she was living as a child on Tambourine Mountain in South East Queensland.
“Mum and Dad were very simple people, they weren’t rich or famous, but they lived in a community and they made sure they gave back to their community,” Doyle said.
“They couldn’t do it with donations or money, but they always did it with their time and commitment. I think it rubbed off. I’ve always felt very strongly that the viewers employ me and South Australia has always been very generous to both (husband) Ian and I in our careers, so it’s only fair that we try to give something back so I am very humbled by that.”
John Schumann - AM
By Miles Kemp
In 1983 the Redgum classic “I Was Only 19” became an anthem for post-Vietnam War disillusionment for a generation of Australian youth tortured by an ill-defined foreign war.
It also made lead singer-guitarist and joint songwriter John Schmann a household name in Australia.
Almost 40 years later many young Australians still know the words;
And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can’t get to sleep?
And why the Channel 7 chopper chills me to my feet?
And what’s this rash that comes and goes
Can you tell me what it means?
God help me
I was only 19
It was considered a radical protest song at the time, but contributed to veterans’ rights becoming mainstream in recent decades.
In the years after its release Schmann became a rallying point for many disillusioned Vietnam veterans, but ironically in his OAM citation gets no credit for the famous song.
His numerous roles since for police and defence mental health initiatives do, and his OAM is officially for “significant service to the veteran community, to music, and to the community”.
He insists his legacy must be as “only one voice” in the veterans’ rights battle, which culminated recently in the federal government setting up a royal commission into veteran suicides.
Schumann said he was very proud that one song did get a mention, the 2015 effort On Every Anzac Day.
Like Only 19, the song was considered ahead of its time, honouring Australian Indigenous service people from many wars.
“That song even today almost gets a standing ovation when it is played in the middle or a set and aunties, mums, grandmothers always come over to talk about it,’’ he said.
“I like it because I think the only way to bring about change in Australian attitudes is to tell a story, not lecture people and I am very lucky to be a storyteller.”
Mr Schumann said it was first with his engagement with Vietnam veterans in the 1980s that he began work within mental health awareness.
“Back in the day mental health struggles were not acknowledged, frowned on or suspected to be malingering,’’ he said.
“I have worked with police organisations as well because like the defence forces, they adopted the attitude of ‘suck it up, princess’ which was not very helpful.”
John Wamsley - OAM
By Michelle Etheridge
Drastic action is needed if we’re to have any hope of stopping a wave of animal extinctions, conservationist John Wamsley says.
The Aldgate man, 83, is known for his work creating Warrawong animal sanctuary in the Hills and a string of other nationally significant reserves – along with wearing a hat made of cat fur. Recently, he’s been focused on restoring habitat at Scott Creek, but receiving an OAM has brought Dr Wamsley fresh hope he might convince politicians to prioritise work to arrest the country’s loss of biodiversity.
Based on growth in GDP and recent increases in the number of animals classed as threatened, he predicts that by 2070 all land-based vertebrates will be threatened or extinct. “There’s no way we can stop that happening unless we take drastic action,” he said. Dr Wamsley suggested a value be put on biodiversity, using measures such as paying people who look after important habitat “the same way as if you were looking after wheat”.
Jenny Williams - OAM
By Rebecca Whitfield-Baker
There’s not much Jenny Williams – the daughter of Port player and coach legend Fos Williams – hasn’t achieved, on or off the sports field in the past four decades.
She has represented the state in six sports – cricket, soccer, football, touch football, indoor lacrosse and lacrosse – and, in 2013, she was inducted into the SA Sport Hall of Fame.
Crownings include AFL Woman of the Year, Australian Sports Medal and four-time South Australian Coach of the Year.
But the 65-year-old elite coach and organisational psychologist, who says she’s never needed to look beyond her own family for inspiration, has also been a fierce advocate for sport and the women who play it.
She is also passionate about helping young sports stars reach their potential, believing psychological development is as important as physical development.
It is fitting she has been awarded an OAM for her service to women’s sport, and to sports psychology as Williams rates the positive influence she has been able to have on others as her biggest achievement.
“I hope (my legacy is) inspiring and influencing others around me … really helping young people be the best they can be,” she says.
“I feel a bit embarrassed (but this) is a nice reminder of trying to do my best as part of the large team that has been my life.
“I might be a captain but there is no team and no wins without all of your friends.”
Alex Hill - OAM
By Rebecca Whitfield-Baker
Aged just 28, Loxton lad Alexander Hill has three letters behind his name he never imagined he would – OAM.
“It’s pretty cool, that’s for sure … it’s an amazing but surreal feeling,” he says.
“I am grateful for the honour and never could have imagined (it being bestowed on me) growing up.”
But Hill, widely regarded as one of the best rowers in the world, has well and truly earned the honour, winning gold in the Tokyo Olympics, in the men’s coxless four.
Hill and his fellow crewmates, dubbed the new Oarsome Foursome – Jack Hargreaves, Alexander Purnell and Spencer Turrin – set an Olympic record, after getting off to a fast start.
While he grew up on a Riverland citrus and grape-growing property, he now lives in Canberra where the Australian rowing team trains at the Reinhold Batschi National Training Centre.
“(My family) is obviously chuffed and excited by (today’s) honour,” he says.
His swag of wins and titles include a silver medal at Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and gold in the men’s four event at the World Rowing Championships in 2017-2018.
Other athletes who bought home gold from Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics to receive an Order of Australia Medal include swimmer Meg Harris and Paralympic cyclists Paige Greco and Dareen Hicks.
Graham Priestnall - OAM
By Colin James
Former naval officer Graham Priestnall has been recognised for his service to the Australian defence industry.
Mr Priestnall, of Warradale, has been involved with the Australian Industry and Defence Industry Network since 2001, spending the past two years as its chairman.
“The network is about advocating for government to support small to medium sized Australian enterprises involved in the defence industry,” he said.
Mr Priestnall said despite the recent decision to scrap the French-designed submarine project in Adelaide, the future remained bright for defence companies based in SA.
“There will be something else, there will be another submarine, exactly how we will be involved will become clear in 12 months or so,” he said.
“Until then, there are lots of other things happening, such as armoured vehicles, other ships and electronic warfare.
“One of the reasons I moved to the Defence State from interstate was there were so many opportunities.”
Mr Priestnall joined the Royal navy in 1971, serving in various roles before leaving as a lieutenant-commander in 1999.
He worked for defence companies including Thales Australia and Nova Systems before becoming general manager of DEWC Systems last year.
Previous roles with the Australian Industry and Defence Network include president, vice-president and committee member.
Stephen Hains - AM
By Colin James
Stephen Hains has devoted the best part of his life to serving South Australia through numerous roles within local government.
Currently the deputy chancellor of Flinders University and chairman of the Stormwater Management Authority, Mr Hains was the chief executive of Salisbury Council for over a decade.
He has been chairman of the Centennial Park Authority, SA Planning Commission, Native Vegetation Authority and Coast Protection Board.
Mr Hains, of Fullarton, also has sat on the boards of the Environment Protection Authority, Zero Waste SA, South Australian Business Vision 2010, Bedford Industries, Northern Adelaide and Barossa Water Catchment Board and Electronic Industries Association.
Mr Hains said he was honoured to have received the Order of Australia Medal for his service to local government, education and the community.
“I have been very lucky and it’s been a great privilege to have the opportunity to do these things for the community,” he said.
Mr Hains, who was a senior public servant in the late 1980s, said local government had prepared him for other roles.
“It’s amazing how many skills you pick up in local government that can be applied to other sectors,” he said.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to get involved in other businesses and organisations.”
Mr Hains was previously president of the Planning Institute of Australia. member of the Local Government Association Governance Panel and chairman of the development assessment panels for the Charles Sturt and Adelaide Hills councils.
He continues to be the presiding member of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Development Assessment Panel.
Janice Whyte - AM
By Dixie Sulda
Janice Whyte’s affiliation with the Far North town of Marree dates back more than thirty years.
Having grown up in Melbourne Ms Whyte began visiting Marree in the early 90s, as part of an environmental group, Friends of the Earth, known to frequent traditional lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I got to know the Aboriginal community there, then I went back there to help them set up a little tourism industry, and I stayed there,” Ms Whyte, 78, said.
“I’ve been there ever since.”
Ms Whyte was nominated for an Australia Day honour for her service to the community of Marree.
She has been a facilitator at the Arabunna Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Heritage Museum since 1995, and an Arabunna Culutral Tour bus driver for 20 years.
She also takes part in multiple voluntary roles in the town including at the Community Arts Project and Progress Association.
Her favourite part of Marree has always been the people, she said.
“Mixing with the community, that lifestyle in a small town is quite different,” Ms Whyte said.
She felt privileged to be nominated for such an award.
“I suppose it’s an honour, that people want to do that for you,” she said.
“I think its good, acknowledging what ordinary people do.”
Nicholas Lee - OAM
By Todd Lewis
When Nicholas Lee tragically lost his wife Jodi to bowel cancer 12 years ago, he felt an “overwhelming compulsion” to ensure others didn’t go through the same heartache.
“We went through two years of hell as a family and I didn’t want others to go through what we went through,” he said.
And so, the Jodi Lee Foundation was established in 2010 and became a leading voice for bowel cancer protection. Mr Lee received an Australia Day honour for service to the community through the not-for profit sector. “I’m over the moon for so many people, because this is a reflection of the hard work everyone has done for the foundation,” he said.
“We have saved a hell of a lot of people along the way and that has given me a strong sense of purpose.”
Margaret Lehmann - AM
By Patrick James
Margaret Lehmann was “gobsmacked” to hear that she was nominated by her community for Australia Day Honours.
“It is an honour that I do not take lightly,” she said.
Mrs Lehmann, widow of Barossa Valley wine stalwart Peter Lehmann AM, was recognised for significant community service to the region through a variety of roles.
A founding member of the Barossa Region Residents Association and former councillor, Mrs Lehmann said she and her late husband worked together managing Peter Lehmann Wines and got involved in community roles to serve their region.
Mrs Lehmann said the Barossa was somewhere that deserved “to be loved and also very much respected”.
Mrs Lehmann established the Peter Lehmann Arts and Education Trust in 2014 and Barossa Baroque and Beyond in 2015, a small example of her passion for the arts.
FULL LIST OF SA AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
AO (OFFICER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION)
Maggie BEER
For distinguished service to the tourism and hospitality industries as a cook, restaurateur and author, and to aged welfare.
AM (MEMBER IN THE GENERAL DIVISION)
Cathy Chye Yah CHONG For significant service to multiculturalism in South Australia, and to the community.
Professor Gregory Brian CRAWFORD
For significant service to palliative care, and to tertiary education.
Stephen Charles HAINS
For significant service to local government, to education, and to the community.
Professor William Frederic HEDDLE RFD
For significant service to cardiology, to tertiary education, and to professional associations.
Gabrielle Mary KELLY
For significant service to business, and to film and television.
Margaret Elizabeth LEHMANN
For significant service to the community of the Barossa through a range of roles.
Professor Helen Siobhan MARSHALL
For significant service to medicine in the field of vaccinology and public health, to research, and to education.
Ian David NOSWORTHY
For significant service to the law, particularly arbitration, and to professional associations.
Kathryn Anne PRESSER
For significant service to business in the field of accountancy, and to the community.
John Lewis SCHUMANN
For significant service to the veteran community, to music, and to the community.
Vicky Lee WELGRAVEN
For significant service to women through social welfare organisations, and to Indigenous health.
Professor John Matthew WILLIAMS
For significant service to tertiary education, to the law, and to professional organisations.
OAM (MEDAL IN THE GENERAL DIVISION)
Alan Charles BENNETT
For service to the community through St John Ambulance.
Colleen Anne BILLOWS
For service to the community through charitable organisations.
Derek BUTCHER
For service to bromeliad horticulture.
Margaret BUTCHER
For service to bromeliad horticulture.
Trevor BUZZACOTT
For service to the Indigenous community of South Australia.
Robert Grant CAIRNEY
For service to cricket.
William Kendle CHAPPELL
For service to veterans and their families.
Professor Barbara COMBER
For service to education.
Dr Robert John CRUISE
For service to athletics.
Mr Peter CURTIS
For service to the community through charitable organisations.
Garry Owen DAVIS
For service to the community through a range of roles.
Leslie Allan DENNIS
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Ian Barry DIGBY
For service to the community, and to the motor industry.
Jane DOYLE
For service to the broadcast media, particularly to television, and to the community.
Peter DUNN
For service to the road transport industry.
Valerie Fay FEWSTER
For service to community health.
Valda Elaine FINN
For service to the community of Goolwa.
Gary Bruce FLEETWOOD
For service to law enforcement agencies.
Pauline Claire FROST
For service to the community of Playford.
Professor Cherrie Ann GALLETLY
For service to medicine as a psychiatrist.
Kenneth John GILLMAN
For service to veterans and their families.
Robyn Marie GLENN
For service to the community, and to children.
Mr Philip Hooper GOODE
For service to the community in a range of roles.
Paige GRECO
For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Roger Bartram GRUND
For service to conservation and research as a lepidopterist.
Kerry Lyn HANCOCK
For service to medicine through a range of roles.
Meg HARRIS
For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
William Glenn HERBERT
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
William Roy HEYCOX
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Darren HICKS
For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Alexander HILL
For service to sport as a gold medallist at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The late Brett Ian HOWARD
For service to power boating, and to the community.
Lorraine Marshall IRVING-GORMLY
For service to ballet.
Martin Ronald JOHNSON
For service to the community of Gawler.
Ante KILIC
For service to the Croatian community of South Australia.
Nicholas LEE
For service to the community through the not-for-profit sector.
Mary MANGOS
For service to the Greek community of South Australia.
Brian Leslie MATTHEWS
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Rosemary OSMAN
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Angela PANGALLO
For service to people with neuro-developmental disorders.
Marija PEREJMA
For service to Latvian community of South Australia.
Mr Adrian Robert POBKE
For service to tennis, and to the community.
Susan Jennifer POLLARD
For service to the Catholic Church of Australia.
Graham Frederick PRIESTNALL
For service to the defence industry.
Mary Louise SIMPSON
For service to conservation and the environment, and to the arts.
June Montgomery (Monty) SMITH
For service to the community through history preservation organisations.
The late David Hugh STACEY
For service to veterans, and to the community of Strathalbyn.
Pauline June VENNING
For service to the community of Burra.
John William WAMSLEY
For service to conservation and the environment.
Janice WHYTE
For service to the community of Marree.
Jennifer Anne WILLIAMS
For service to women’s sport, and to sports psychology.
Elizabeth D’arcy WILSON
For service to public administration in South Australia.
Mrs Margaret Anne WINTERFIELD
For service to veterans and their families.
John Francis ZIESING
For service to hockey, and to the community.
Lois Beverly ZWECK
For service to community history.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Mark Joseph CONNELLY
For outstanding public service to achieving outcomes for the Anangu communities
Sara Elizabeth FLEMING
For outstanding public service to the development and provision of Paediatric Palliative Care Services.
Kirk RICHARDSON
For outstanding public service in developing and implementing key projects for Onkaparinga Council.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL
Chief Superintendent John DE CANDIA
Detective Chief Inspector Denise Kaye GRAY
Senior Sergeant First Class Craig Gregory WOLFE
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Malcolm Alan AMOS
Timothy COOPER
Fiona Le Nore DUNSTAN
Andrew James HIGGINS
Guy Stephen UREN
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
Nichole BASTIAN
Lawrence Sylvester TOMNEY
AUSTRALIAN CORRECTIONS MEDAL
Jamie Edward GOLDSMITH
Troy PROCTOR
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