Meghanne Wellard, Peter Dougherty, Susan Chapple recognised in Aus Day awards

Sacrifice and devotion to their community has led to the celebration of three Grafton residents on Australia Day. Here’s what they had to say of their awards.

Meghanne Wellard, Peter Dougherty, Susan Chapple recognised in Australia Day Awards

An experienced teacher-turned SES recruiter, an old-timer who played a major role in community organisations and a lifesaving leader – here are Grafton’s most influential community members recognised with Australia Day honours.

Susan Chapple

A Grafton teacher for more than 30 years, Ms Chapple felt a desire to devote her passion in teaching to better the safety of the region.

“I wanted to use my teaching skills to convey messages to others,” Ms Chapple said.

Having lived in Grafton for over 30 years as a teacher, Susan Chapple decided she wanted to devote her passion and skills in teaching to better the safety of the region, joining the NSW SES.

Having now served the State Emergency Service for over 25 years, she found herself climbing on roofs to save lives – or providing important messaging.

Ms Chapple witnessed several major floods in Grafton, providing integral support through various roles, most recently as Local Commander for the Clarence Valley.

“Local knowledge of the region is key in understanding which areas would be impacted,” she said.

Mrs Chapple dealt with many critical incidents during this time, including major floods in the Clarence region.

She built up an expert knowledge of the flood hazard and risk across the region, and developed systems to manage risks to deliver swift responses.

Ms Chapple formed a network within the community to create preparedness, planning and capability, leading several workshops.

She has proved a strong role model for women in leadership and provided support and mentorship to the venerable NSW SES.

The mother-of-two loves the town and said it was an honour to be recognised with an emergency services medal for her lifesaving efforts over the years.

Peter Dougherty

At 91 years old, Peter Dougherty he has witnessed many changes to the town he’s lived all his life.

“I’m Grafton born and bred – you never forget that,” Mr Dougherty said.

And Mr Dougherty, born in 1932, recalls a very different town as a young boy growing up.

Peter Dougherty has always had a significant involvement in the Grafton community. Picture: Tim Howard

“It was a small river settlement for timber boats,” he said.

Mr Dougherty never found a reason to leave the place he loved so much – and ended up devoting much of his life to its tight-knit community.

Now the town has a population of 20,000 with several pubs, dining options and an internationally recognised flower festival.

With strong ties to the area, Mr Dougherty was involved in several community groups.

This included the Grafton Community Bus, which was sorely needed at a time where public transport was not readily available.

He worked for those vulnerable in the community, being heavily involved in disability support through employment and was involved with St Vinnies.

Peter Dougherty (middle) as president of the Grafton Community Bus in 2016.

Mr Dougherty contributed to the meals on wheels program – where food was handed out to those in need.

He was honoured an OAM for his strong contribution to the town.

“Im extremely honoured and rather humbled to be awarded the medal.”

Meghanne Wellard

When the region needed someone a saviour to step up during the catastrophic floods last year, Meghanne Wellard was there to take the call.

When the region needed someone to step up during the catastrophic floods last year, Meghanne Wellard (R) was there to take the call.

As the floods hit, less than half of the students in the region were able to attend school.

Despite a very real threat to her own property, Mrs Wellard answered the call to arms, working tirelessly to ensure staff and students were located and confirmed safe.

Having held leadership roles within the Department of Education since 1992, Mrs Wellard had the weight of 260 schools across the rural NSW region on her back.

Meghanne Wellard (L) ensured thousands of staff and students were safe when the floods ravaged towns.

She went above and beyond to make sure safe spaces were sourced for students to continue schooling.

She also ensured counselling and mental-health support was made available for those affected.

At the peak of the disaster, more than 130 public schools within Mrs Wellard‘s region were forced to close yet her leadership provided much needed hope, structure and safety to suffering children and communities in a time of need.

Mrs Wellards efforts to ensure the Department’s response to the crisis was fast and effective solidified her high regard in the community as a leader and was awarded a public service medal.

Grafton is home to many brilliant figures and will no doubt continue this trend, with these three role models leading the way.