King’s Birthday Honours NSW, Canberra list: Residents recognised from Ballina to Moruya
From emergency heroes, to dedicated community legends – meet the NSW people recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list in seven decades. Read their inspiring stories.
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From emergency heroes, to dedicated community legends – meet the NSW faces recognised in the first King’s Birthday Honours list in seven decades.
GREATER SYDNEY
EASTERN SUBURBS
A man who spent period of his childhood facing homelessness on the streets of Sydney and a woman who has advocated with Hollywood royalty to improve adoption awareness feature in the list of eastern suburbs residents on the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
The other 18 recipients — many of whom are not well known to the general public — include everyday unsung heroes who have devoted themselves selflessly to the community and titans of industry recognised for giving back to those less fortunate.
They include business leaders who have supported Jewish community groups, trailblazing women in mining and finance, and a longtime advocate for multicultural Sydney.
ALETHEA GOLD – OAM
After more than 20 years working at international and Australian fashion magazines, Rose Bay humanitarian Alethea Gold realised the power she had to use her network for good.
“I realised that I had this power to help others, “ Ms Gold said.
Beginning with donation drives to provide clothing for disadvantaged children, soon “the projects got bigger and the charities got bigger, and the amount of people or help got bigger” – leading to a move to work full time with charities and humanitarian organisations.
Ms Gold has served as global goodwill ambassador for SmartAid, since 2017, and is a supporter of Operation Hope Australia, Afrika Tikkun, South Africa, and the Chi Heng Foundation, Hong Kong.
Most recently she has worked with Smart Aid in Turkey building children’s schools.
DIANE HARAPIN – OAM
Diane Harapin was a much longed-for child, before experiencing reproductive challenges herself.
The Clovelly mum began working at Sunrise Children’s Village at Cambodia in 2001, where she adopted her son Nathan Harapin, who is now 24.
From there her passion to reduce stigma and increase awareness around adoption led her to contribute to Commonwealth Review on the Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices in 2012.
“When I met [Hollywood actor and adoption advocate] Deborra Lee-Furness in 2008, there wasn’t an awareness, you couldn‘t talk about adoption,” Ms Harapin said. “It was a closed subject and it was almost a taboo.
“And there was shame associated with adoptees’ stories, people struggling to have children and people who genuinely wanted to fight for the human rights of the child,” she said.
In the ensuing years, advocacy by Ms Harapin and others has completely transformed the conversation, she said.
“It is out in the open now, it is a very amazing way to start a family,” she said.
She served as CEO and board member of National Adoption Awareness Week/AdoptChange from 2008 to 2013.
Ms Harapin was a volunteer and sponsor for the Cambodian Children Fund and Cambodian Children‘s Trust between 2000 and 2014, and contributed to Commonwealth Review on the Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices in 2012.
Ms Harapin was moved to tears describing what receiving an Order of Australia meant to her.
“I’ve spent my entire life serving people because I‘m a servant and a leader,” Ms Harapin said.
JAMES MARK DACK – OAM
Woollahra man and former director of sales and founding member at McGrath Real Estate Agents, James Mark Dack spent his childhood struggling to get by.
At one point, Mr Dack was homeless and lived at the Police Citizens Youth Club City of Sydney in Woolloomooloo he is now a patron of.
Now a multi-millionaire, Mr Dack is being recognised for his contributions to Police Citizens Youth Clubs New South Wales.
He said he credits wife Mary and mother-in-law Sharon Cowin for supporting his commitment to supporting children facing challenges he remembers well.
“If we are able to build strong kids, then we don’t have to fix broken adults,’ Mr Dack said.
“I’m grateful that I’ve got the family that I have; my wife, Mary, and my kids Raleigh and Emily.”
PETER JENKINS – OAM
Little Bay’s Peter Royden Jenkins felt “a little bit of why me” when he was first told about his Medal of the Order of Australia award for service to electrical engineering. He said he was “extremely surprised”, but felt honoured and humbled.
Mr Jenkins founded Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems in 1989, where he has been the managing director ever since. It focused on developing and supplying sovereign electronic warfare capability for the Australian Defence Force.
As well as managing his own company, Mr Jenkins was the vice-president of the Australian Industry and Defence Network’s NSW Committee and its founding member in 1994.
The OAM winner said his career highlight came in 2019 when he was called by the president of the Australia Naval Institute to tell him he had won the McNeil Prize, which recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the capabilities of the navy.
“At first I misheard him and that he said that I made the short list,” he said. “I was very surprised when he said that I had won it.”
STEPHEN DAVID CHIPKIN – OAM
For service to the Jewish community of New South Wales.
Beyond his illustrious career across law and finance, Stephen Chipkin has served Sydney’s Jewish community through a number of endeavours, including as Jewish Communal Appeal president from 2014-2020.
Mr Chipkin has been a supporter of the Garvan-Weizmann Centre for Cellular Genomics since 2017.
BRENDON COOK – OAM
For service to the advertising industry
A media leader for more than 30 years, Mr Cook was CEO of oOh! Media from 1989-2020.
He has been board member of World Out of Home Organisation (formerly Federation European Publicite Exterieur), since 2015.
PETER HALASZ – OAM
For service to the community through charitable organisations
Founder and CEO of Seafolly from 1975 into the 1990s, Mr Halasz has served as a volunteer at the Sydney Jewish Museum since 2015.
He has also served as a major donor to a variety of organisations, including the Heart Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Moving Forward Together, Beyond Blue, The Salvation Army, The Joint Australia and Australian Red Cross.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL KIDD – AO
For distinguished service in medical administration and community health, to primary care leadership, and to tertiary education
Mr Kidd has served a deputy chief medical officer and principal medical adviser, Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care for the Australian Government since 2020.
He has served on multiple international boards including president of the World Organization of Family Doctors (2013-2016) and executive member (2004-2017).
ORWELL PETER PHILLIPS – AO
For distinguished service to heritage conservation, to architecture, and to professional organisations
Mr Phillips has served on Heritage Council of NSW since 1988, including as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee, since 2016.
He has been secretary-general of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) since 2017.
YASMIN ALLEN – AO
For significant service to finance and business, and to the not-for-profit sector
Chair at the Digital Skills Organisation, Department of Education, Skills and Employment, since 2020, Ms Allen has had lent her esteemed service to diverse boards from the ASX to Cochlear Ltd.
She has served as chair of the Harrison Riedel Foundation since 2017 and was a member of the advisory board at the The Salvation Army from 2003-2014.
SIMON CHAN – AO
For significant service to multiculturalism, to the Indigenous community, and to the arts
President of the Chinese Australian Forum New South Wales since 2022, Mr Chan has also served in the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce since 2012.
He has served as director, Australian Institute of Asian Culture and Visual Arts-Vis Asia at the Art Gallery of NSW and chair of the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation.
FIONA ANN ROBERTSON – AM
For significant service to the mining sector
Ms Robertson’s extensive career in mining has seen her lead at 29 Metals Limited, Bellevue Gold Limited, and Whitehaven Coal Limited.
She served as a committee member, Women in Mining Network (WIMnet) Committee, National from 2013-2015.
DR STEPHEN JAMES STEIGRAD – AM
For significant service to medicine particularly in a range of national and international organisations
Council Member and Representative for Oceania, 1998-2010 of the International Society for the Study of Trophoblastic Diseases, Mr Steigrad has held prominent positions at a number of International and Australian medical associations.
EDWIN KEITH TUCKER – AM
For significant service to community health, and to the technology sector
Vice-President of Doctors Without Borders Australia since 2021, Mr Tucker has also worked extensively across the technology sector and Australian business.
He has been director and treasurer of Deafness Forum of Australia, since 2019.
GRAHAM RICHARD ALLIBAND – OAM
For service to the international community of Vietnam
Mr Alliband served as Ambassador to Vietnam from 1988-1991 under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
He has led numerous development programs in Vietnam, including senior program development Adviser, Vietnam Australia Partnership on Human Resource Development Program, 2019.
CEDRIC SEYMOUR FUCHS – OAM
For service to the real estate industry, and to philanthropy
Co-founder and executive director, 1991-2018, of property company Charter Hall, Mr Fuchs has served as a longtime contributor of Jewish Community Affairs at the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Jewish Museum.
He has supported a range of arts organisations including the Australian Ballet, and Opera Foundation Australia.
PETER HERSH – OAM
For service to the Jewish community
A charted accountant since 1977, Mr Hersh is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Hersh served as honorary treasurer of the Zionist Federation of Australia from 1997-2006, and has been the treasurer of the Australian Jewish Funders since 2022.
ROSLYN HORIN – OAM
For service to the performing arts
Creator, writer, director, and producer Roslyn Horin has been a member of the executive advisory board of the Amanita Maternal Foundation since 2019.
She has been artistic director and founder at Racing Pulse Productions, since 2003, and served as artistic director of the Griffin Theatre Company from 1992-2003.
THE LATE MR RICHARD BENN JAGO – OAM
For service to the sheep industry
Mr Jago was a former Merino Stud Classer for 50 years, and former stud master, Haddon Rig.
CAROLINE LEWIS – OAM
For service to the Jewish community of Sydney
Ms Lewis has worked with the The Great Synagogue, Sydney since 2004, serving as vice president from 2015-2020.
She has been a foster parent and youth mentor at Jewish Care since 2013.
JILL MARGARET PASCOE – OAM
For service to community health
Ms Pascoe founded Life Force Cancer Foundation, an integrated supported care system for those living with cancer, in 1993.
SUTHERLAND
DR LYNETTE RILEY (KOGARAH) - AO
Dr Lynette Riley is a proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman originally from central NSW and she has dedicated her life helping Aboriginal people get an education through establishing several initiatives that are still operating.
She has received the highest recognition, an Officer of Australia, for distinguished service to education, particularly through the development of Indigenous curriculum and student support, to reconciliation, and to the community.
Dr Riley is the chair of Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Education, an associate professor and senior lecturer at the University of Sydney.
“It is really nice to be recognised for my lifetime contribution to Aboriginal education and I have worked hard to help create change,” she said.
“As Aboriginal children, my parents were not allowed to continue past third class because that basically gave them enough skills to be good servants.
“My Dad was desperate for his kids to get a good education. If you wanted to get a job and move off reserves or missions then you had to get a certificate or exemption.
“He got one because he wanted us kids to go to school. He knew we would not get anywhere or do anything without an education.
“I believe he thought that by us doing well in school, he could have also done well if given the chance.”
Dr Riley said she was the first generation to have access to education and her children were the first generation to have open access.
“I wanted to help change the education system and make it better for Aboriginal kids,” she said.
Dr Riley has held several appointments on committees and boards, worked at the University of New England and with the NSW Department of Education.
“Everything I did was always a first because there were so few Aboriginal people involved in education,” she said.
Dr Riley said she was part of a team who in 1982 wrote the first Aboriginal education policy in NSW, which helped create policies throughout Australia.
She was also involved in working at an Aboriginal college in Glebe and set up an Aboriginal education support program at the University of New England.
Dr Riley said she was most proud of setting up an annual lecture series, which still ran; and worked with the western institute of TAFE to raise money to get a mobile library van built and still operates to give people in the Dubbo region access to materials.
“The initiatives I have been involved in are sustainable and will continue,” she said. “Some programs we put in place were started 40 years ago and are still running.
“I was not about putting Bandaids on, but rather changing systems.”
Dr Riley said the award would make her children proud, as well as her father and her aunts and uncles who supported her.
“NAIDOC week’s theme is ‘for our elders’ which resonates with me and drives me to keep doing what I am doing. I want to help create a world that is a better place than what our elders had to face.”
GRAHAM BRUCE (WOOLOOWARE) - AM
Graham Bruce has been recognised for his significant service to lifesaving at a national, state and local level after he many years volunteering for the organisation.
“When I got the email about the honour, I was in total shock,” he said.
“I am lost for works and it is not what you expect when you are doing something to help others but it is nice people take notice.”
Mr Bruce joined Cronulla club in 1976 at age 26.
“I have been lucky enough to have a mixture of lifesaving and competitions,” he said. “I have also instructed and examined, and completed administration work in a number of areas.”
Mr Bruce said he loved being on power craft inflatable rescue boat, in which he performed countless rescues along the Cronulla coast.
He said the day he got his inflatable rescue boat licence and passed the exam he completed 21 rescues.
Mr Bruce said he loved the camaraderie at not only Cronulla clubs but also at a branch, state and national level.
Mr Bruce is still an officials educator and was a former advisor and national power craft officer with Surf Life Saving Australia.
He held various executive positions including logistical and official officers for Surf Life Saving NSW where he was also a former instructional team member for the NSW bronze medallion panel.
Mr Bruce has held various executive roles in Sydney and Cronulla clubs where he has been an examiner, supervisor, accreditor and educator, senior vice president, trainer patrol captain and carnival organiser.
He also co-ordinated the Australian championships and was a referee, has life memberships at all levels and was also a referee and official at international life saving events.
PROFESSOR MARCELA BILEK (SUTHERLAND) - AM
Marcela Bilek is a recipient of a member of Australia award for her significant service to physics and biomedical engineering.
She has been a professor of applied physics and surface engineering since 2000 and head of applied physics and surface engineering research group since the same year at the University of Sydney.
Prof Bilek has also been a lead investigator in 21 projects as part of the Australian Research Council, has been part of many fellowships and is an associate editor of the Journal of Applied Physics since 2015.
DR MATTHEW CRAWFORD (CONNELLS POINT) - AM
Dr Crawford has been honoured for significant service to medicine, particularly chronic and complex pain management.
He is the head of the department of chronic and complex pain at Sydney Children’s Hospital and the south eastern Sydney local health district. He was previously the medical clinical program director for surgery and anaesthetics until this year.
Dr Crawford has worked at the Princes of Wales Hospital and Children’s Hospital and has years of experience in anaesthetics and surgeries. He has been part of a government pain advisory group and a special committee into anaesthesia deaths.
DR PAMELA GOWER (CRONULLA) - AM
Dr Gower has been recognised for significant service to dentistry and forensic odontology.
She has been a senior forensic odontologist since 1994 and has volunteered for the Australian Disaster Victim Identification Unit working at national and international disasters including the 2009 Victorian bushfires, Bali bombings and Thredbo Landslide in 1997.
Dr Gower is currently a visiting dental officer at Westmead Hospital and is the owner and dentist at Kareela Dental Surgery since 1983.
She has had a number of professional national and international associations and has been part of the St George Dental Association.
THE HONOURABLE KEVIN GREENE (PEAKHURST HEIGHTS) - AM
Mr Greene has been awarded an member of Australia for significant service to the NSW parliament, local government and the community.
He was Oatley MP from 2007 to 2011 and before that was the member for Georges River from 1999 to 2007. During his role, was also minister for major events, gaming, racing and sports and community.
Mr Greene was a Georges River councillor from 2017 to 2022 and was the inaugural major from 2017 to 2021.
He is also heavily involved in cricket and is the deputy chair and board member of Cricket NSW and has been president for other clubs and committees in the St George area.
RICHARD GRILLS (FORMERLY OF CRONULLA) - AM
The late Richard Grills has been honoured for his significant service to community eye health and the ophthalmic optics industry.
He was the direct and former chair of the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association from 2001 to 2022 and was the director of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia and Genetic Eye Foundation until 2022.
Mr Grills also held a number of education and advisory positions and was involved with other eye health foundations and projects.
JANICE BLIZZARD (LOFTUS) - OAM
Janice Blizzard has been recognised for her service to motor sports having held numerous positions in the St George Motor Cycle Club since 1955.
She is a life member of Motorcycling NSW and a race secretary at Oran Park Raceway.
ANNE CATERSON (BLAKEHURST) - OAM
Anne Caterson has been awarded for her service to surf lifesaving after being a part of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club since 2004 where she held a number of roles including director of finance since 2016. She also co-ordinated the Sutherland 2 Surf fun run.
Caterson was awarded with a distinguished service life member in 2020.
TRACEY CORBIN-MATCHETT (GYMEA) - OAM
Tracey Corbin-Matchett has been awarded for service to the arts and to people with disability.
She has been executive officer of Bus Stop Films since 2019, had a number of professional roles and been a board member of Deaf Sports Australia among other disability and film boards.
GEORGE COTIS (GYMEA) - OAM
George Cotis has been honoured for service to conservation and the environment.
He has been a community representative on the Port Hacking Management Panel for Sutherland Shire Council since mid 1980s, has been a member of Friends of Royal and co-authored three publications on the preservation of Port Hacking.
He has also been a Sutherland Historical Society member.
EMERITUS PROFESSOR RIFAAT EBIED (SYLVANIA) - OAM
Emeritus Professor Rifaat Ebied has been recognised for his service to education, particularly in Semitic studies.
He was the chair for a number of Arabic committees at the NSW Board of Studies until 2001; is a member of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, Arabic Examiners Panel and been a emeritus professor since 2008 in Semitic studies. He has taught in Australia and UK.
SUSAN RINDFLEISH (SOUTH HURSTVILLE) - OAM
Susan Rindfleish has been awarded for her service to softball.
She has been president, a board member, life member and coach of the Sutherland Shire Softball Association for many years. She also co-founded and is a life member of the Redbacks Softball Club and has been part of Softball NSW and Softball Australia as well as helped run programs at schools.
Mrs Rindfleish was also a teacher at Bald Face Public School until 2019.
GEOFFREY COLEMAN (ENGADINE) - AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL
Geoffrey Coleman has served with NSW Ambulance since the 1980s, and is currently employed as a clinical training officer in Sydney and South East Sydney.
He is also a certified intensive care paramedic following his training in 1995. He is currently operational, and maintains his intensive care paramedic registration, as well as credentialing, with NSW Ambulance to practice as a clinician.
Mr Coleman has dedicated his career to assisting others both within the organisation and outside. He has prided himself on supporting all staff during work time and outside of those hours. Mr Coleman performs above and beyond the expectation of his role, maintaining close support in the ongoing training with volunteer units, and spending many hours presenting and assessing maintenance of skills training. Mr Coleman maintains the MOS session development which allows these units to engage.
Mr Coleman is first to volunteer to provide valuable advice and welfare support during larger scale and emotional emergency responses. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the first educator to offer his support to the rapid and high demand on boarding projects. While maintaining his business as usual activities, Mr Coleman undertook the additional role to develop new education programs for delivery to a newly introduced casual workforce.
TRESNE CHESHER (BOTANY) - EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL
Mrs Tresne Chesher has over 21 years of voluntary service working on the frontline, and in extremely hazardous conditions, as part of the Randwick Offshore Boat Rescue team (SR30), and as a leader in her team in operations and management.
Over these 21 years Mrs Chesher has continued to extend her rescue skill base from patrolling lifesaver (1999), to rescue crew (2002), to rescue boat driver (2003), and then to rescue boat skipper in 2013. Over this time Mrs Chesher has participated in, and managed hundreds of rescues in the ocean, on cliff faces, on upturned boats, and in turbulent seas, and at all times leading with a calm and measured style. Mrs Chesher was the first female to become a skipper of SR30 in 2013.
Mrs Chesher has now served over 800 hours on the Offshore Rescue Boat since hours were recorded in 2005. In some seasons these hours have been nearly 100 hours of operational time on the Rescue Boat, and all in hazardous situations. Mrs Chesher is an all-round outstanding lifesaver and member.
ROBERT WILSON (BANGOR) - EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL
Mr Robert Wilson has served the community of NSW with distinction as a Marine Rescue volunteer for more than 15 years. He is a member of the Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking unit in the Greater Sydney region, and has contributed greatly to the organisation operationally, but also in key leadership roles, over many years.
As a member of Botany Port Hacking unit, he has served in roles such as operational Marine Rescue crew, a former deputy commander, treasurer and public engagement and fundraising officer. In a broader organisational contribution he was company secretary of Marine Rescue NSW for a five year period when it came into being on 1 July 2009. He was elected as a Director of the Board of MRNSW in 2010 for the Greater Sydney region, and served from 2010-2014 and has again served as a general director from 2018-2023.
Mr Wilson is widely respected for his skill and professionalism, giving his fellow crew members confidence in his abilities and judgment. He has been involved in numerous challenging search and rescue operations in response to traumatic emergencies. Mr Wilson has shown overwhelming dedication, commitment and a loyalty to Marine Rescue NSW, and to saving lives on the water.
NORTH SYDNEY
LYNDALL MCNALLY – OAM
Lyndall McNally has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her dedication and service to the community of Lane Cove.
Ms McNally is a founding committee member of the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra and has served as its president since 1998. Her work in the community also includes serving as a member on the Lane Cove Festival Committee.
Ms McNally said it had been a privilege to work with up and coming musicians over the course of more than two decades.
“It’s hard to pick a highlight, but the real honour has been to work with the young musicians and the wonderful professionals that have directed them,” she said. “It’s also been exciting to be in a position where you’re able to create events, concerts and music camps.
“To make an event to perform for an audience is something special.”
Ms McNally has also been an advocate for a dedicated performance space in Lane Cove for musicians to be able to perform to crowds.
“That has always been the greatest challenge because every year there’s a scramble to find an affordable and suitable place to present a concert that has acoustics for orchestral music and allows an audience to be comfortably seated,” she said.
“Over the years It’s forced us to look at unusual places to perform – we did a flash mob in Lane Cove Square in 2009. Having a dedicated space is something we’re still hoping for.”
ALISTER SIMPSON – OAM
Also recognised in the King’s Honours list is Alister Simpson who has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to equine art.
Mr Simpson has created multiple artworks for the Australian Turf Club including paintings to mark the organisation’s 50th anniversary. He has also exhibited work at Mosman Art Gallery, Wentworth Gallery and at the American Academy of Equine Art.
The recognition has been welcomed by family members of Mr Simpson, who now lives in a nursing home.
“It's a very special honour because he’s done some truly wonderful work over the years,” Mary Simpson, Mr Simpson’s wife, said. “His paintings have been all around the world and he’s created work for people like Gai Waterhouse and Alan Jones
“Its lovely to think he’s been honoured because he’s dedicated to his work has been amazing – he would start at 5am in the morning and work through to five at night just painting.
“He always had the passion for horses – ever since he was a small child he was drawing horses. It’s been a lifelong passion. He’d be so thrilled to be recognised this way.”
REG RICHARDSON – AO
Mr Richardson was made an Officer of the order of Australia for his work including as a founder of the Melanoma Institute of Australia and serving as the organisation’s chairman.
He has also held positions as a board of trustees member at Art Gallery of NSW, was an inaugural member of the Mosman Public Art Trust and was a founding member of the Mosman Art Gallery and Cultural Centre.
Mr Richardson – who has been involved with 12 non-profit organisations through his career – said it was an honour to receive the recognition
“Some of the most rewarding work has been working to improve Aboriginal health outcomes and quality of life by working to provide better access to health,” he said.
“To see the advancements in cancer treatment through the Melanoma Institute has also been very rewarding.
“To be honest I got a surprise to find out I’d been recognised (in the honour’s list) because I always thought I was someone who flew under the radar. I’m not one of those guys who pumps his chest so it was very surprising, but special.”
SUSANNE HAMILTON – OAM
For service to softball, and to lawn bowls.
Ms Hamilton has volunteered for multiple north shore sporting groups including serving as the president of North Shore Women’s Bowling Association, the Wahroonga Softball Club, the Turramurra Women’s Bowling Club, and the vice president of North Shore District Softball Association. Ms Hamilton is also a life member and former president of the Turramurra North Public School P & C committee.
DIANA ROBINSON – AM
For significant service to sports medicine as a physician and to anti-doping regulation.
Ms Robinson has held multiple positions at the Australasian College of Sports Physicians including a clinical training supervisor and serving as the organisation’s chair of training. She has also served as a member of the Doping Control Review Board and Therapeutic Use Exception Committee FINA and is a member of the Therapeutic Use Exception Committee at the International Testing Authority.
DAVID ANTHONY – AM
For significant service to the agricultural sector, and to the community of Narrabri.
Mr Anthony has served as the chair and director at the Australian Farm Institute as well as leadership positions for agricultural bodies including the Cotton Seed Distributors, the Australian Cotton Industry Council and Cargill Oilseeds Australia. He was also recognised for his volunteer work including as a board member for APEX Narrabri.
FIONA BALFOUR – AM
For significant service to corporate governance, and to the aviation sector
Ms Balfour worked as a chief information officer at Qantas from 1992 to 2006 and has held various board membership positions for organisations including Airservices Australia, AirTrunk and Western Sydney Airport. Her work in the community includes serving as the treasurer at Knox Grammar School from 2009 to 2015.
ROSE-MARIE RADLEY – AM
For significant service to community health, and to the nursing profession.
Ms Radley served as the director of nursing at Sydney Adventist Hospital from 1973 to 1996. She was also the lead nursing officer and co-ordinator on the first Open Heart International visitation program to Solomon Islands in 1997. Ms Radley was made an honorary fellow at the Institute of Nursing Administration of NSW in 1996.
JEANNETTE TSOULOS – OAM
For service to the Jewish community.
Ms Tsoulos has been a member of the National Council of Jewish Women and the Australian Jewish Historical Society since 1988. Ms Tsoulos is also a member and past president of the Australian Jewish Genealogical Society and has volunteered for the Centenary of Anzac Jewish Program at the Australian War Memorial since 2019.
JOHN TRINDER – AM
For significant service to tertiary education, and to professional associations.
Mr Trinder has worked at the UNSW since 1973 including as a senior lecturer, professor, and the head of the school of surveying and school of geomantic engineering. He has also held positions on the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), the Australian Research Council and the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.
JOHN ROBERTS – AM
For significant service to tertiary education, and to business and management.
Mr Roberts has dedicated more than four decades’ of service to the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of NSW including as a professor and lecturer. He is a fellow of the London Business School, Fudan University and previously served as a research professor at the Australian National University.
CATHERIN MARGARET CROUCH – OAM
For service to education administration.
Ms Crouch has a long association with Barker College and the Baker Foundation including serving as deputy chair and board member at the school. She also assisted in establishing the Barker indigenous Education Program.
VOLA YOUNG – OAM
For service to the performing arts.
Ms Young has a long career in the arts including as an actor (under the name of VolaVandere), a cabaret performer and a singer. She is also a founding member of Q Theatre in Penrith and has performed her work in 35 countries around the world.
KENNETH EDWARD SINCLAIR – OAM
For service to education through a range of organisations.
Mr Sinclair is a patron, past president and former executive of the NSW Institute for Educational Research. His work in the field also includes working as an associate professor and lecturer at The University of Sydney.
WENDY LINDGREN – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Ms Lindgren is the chair of the Alliance of Children’s Services, Community Early Learning Australia and the Children’s Services Community Management. She also has a long association with TAFE New South Wales including as a senior head teacher in child studies. Ms Lindgren is a member and past president of the Willoughby Symphony Choir.
JULIET PONDER – OAM
For service to education, and to the community.
Ms Ponder has held multiple positions as a teacher and consultant at TAFE NSW and Northern Sydney Institute of Technology. Her community work also includes serving as a member of Mosman Community Centre and neighbourhood aid co-ordinator at the North Sydney Community Centre.
JUDITH DONALD – OAM
For service to education.
Ms Donald was recognised for her work at the John Colet School, Belrose including as the school’s co-founder, a teacher, and board member.
SIMON PENNINGTON – OAM
For service to rowing.
Mr Pennington has worked as rowing coach and chairman at Rowing New South Wales, as well as a director of rowing and coaching development director at Pymble Ladies’ College. His work in the field also includes coaching positions at The King’s School, Newington College, Sydney Grammar School and the Sydney University Boat Club.
DIANA MOEHEAD – OAM
For service to youth through Girl Guides, and to the community.
Ms Moehead has served in multiple positions at Girl Guides Australia, the Normanhurst Girl Guides District and Girl Guides. Her community work also includes volunteering at the Normanhurst Uniting Church for more than four decades and at the Normanhurst Musical Society.
JEFFREY NEWMAN – OAM
For service to philately.
Mr Newman has been an exhibitor of stamps over the course of six decades and is a life member of the Turramurra Stamp Club. He is also a life member of Philas House and the Southern Districts Philatelic Society.
SOPHIE SCOTT – OAM
For service to the broadcast media, and to community health.
Ms Scott is the national medical reporter at the ABC, and has previously served as former vice president for the Medical Writers Association. Her work in the field also includes holding board positions as for the Australian Medical Association Charitable Foundation NSW, and the Australian Mental Health Prize.
LESLEY GILD – OAM
For service to business and commerce in Ballarat.
Ms Gild is an advisor for the Productivity Commission’s national disability long-term care and support scheme, and advisor for NSW Transport’s Inclusion Action Plan. She previously served on the social justice committee for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and as the chair of family and community services advisory committee at JewishCare. Ms Gild is also a founding board member at OzHarvest.
IRENE O’CONNELL – OAM
For service to the law.
Ms O’Connell has worked as a member of the Refugee Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal as well as a senior member of the Migration and Refugee Division and NDIS. Ms O’Connell has also worked as a lecturer in law at the University of Sydney.
ALAN COLE – OAM
For service to the community of Turramurra.
Mr Cole has been a co-ordinator at Turramurra Trotters since 1974. His volunteer work also includes serving as an organiser for the Great NOSH Footrace, the Manly to Church Point Marathon charity run and for the Christmas Day Lunch at the Rev Bill Crews Foundation.
Christopher Vonwiller – AM
For significant service to science and technology development.
Mr Vonwiller’s work in the field and science and technology includes serving as the chair and chief executive of Appen Limited, chairing the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at the The University of Sydney. He has also sponsored a variety of scholarships and education initiatives through the Vonwiller Foundation which he founded in 2009.
MICHAEL YIU TO CHOW – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Mr Chow has served as a medical student program officer, committee member, and volunteer at Doctors Assisting In South Pacific Islands since 2017 and is a past volunteer at the Hoc Mai Australia-Vietnam Medical Foundation. He is also a member of Rotary and served as committee member/supporter at James Ruse Agricultural High School.
ANNE TITTERTON – OAM
For service to rowing.
Ms Titterton is a life member and past president of the Sydney University Women’s Rowing Club. Ms Titterton has also held positions at The University of Sydney, volunteered at the Sydney International Regatta Centre and was the vice principal at SCEGGS Darlinghurst from 1995 to 2011.
JANE VINCENT – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Ms Vincent has held various positions at StreetWork Australia including as the chair of the Northern Beaches Local Board. Mr Vincent’s community work also includes founding the North Sydney Junior Netball Club, serving on the P & C at Monte Sant Angelo College, and volunteering at homeless refuge Teresa House Redfern.
NORTHERN BEACHES
OWEN DONALD (AVALON BEACH) – AM
For significant service to community and public housing, and to urban research.
Dr Donald holds a PhD in urban research and his previous roles have included chair of the National Housing Supply Council; serving on the Commonwealth’s Urban Policy Forum with Infrastructure Australia and the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Social Housing and Homelessness as well as chairing the Project Steering Committee for the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre.
He was also the founding executive director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute while in NSW he was the Independent Facilitator, Millers Point Project.
ANNE LOVERIDGE (BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS) – AM
For significant service to theatre administration, and to business.
Ms Loveridge was been involved with the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company for eight years as a board member — four of these years as its chair.
She has also been a non-executive at National Australia Bank since 2015 after a long career in finance with roles including being a non-executive with NIB Health Funds, Destination New South Wales and Platinum Asset Management Limited.
There was also a stint at Price Waterhouse Coopers where she was deputy chairman.
IONA NOVAK (MANLY) – AM
For significant service to medical research, particularly the treatment of cerebralpalsy
Professor Novak has been the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Chair of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences at Sydney University since 2021. She is also a member of its Brain and Mind Centre. She is also the co-founder and Head of Research at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute and was founder of “Xcellerate”, an Australian-American Stem Cell Clinical Trials Translation Network.
Other roles include chair of International Clinical Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy; co-founder of the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register and Chief Investigator, Australasian Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials Network.
THE LATE GEORGIE CRAWFORD-SMITH (MANLY) – OAM
For service to community health.
Ms Crawford-Smith died from cancer in February this year. She had spent many years teaching and mentoring people how to run long distances at the Can Too Foundation — a not-for-profit health promotion organisation founded by her sister Anne to raise money for cancer research.
The former fitness instructor was also involved with the Older Women’s Network
Her husband Terry said he and their three children were proud she had been honoured with an OAM for her contribution to health, fitness and wellbeing.
“She would humbled (to be honoured) she would probable defer to others,” he said. “Georgie brought light and optimism to the community around her. She inspired many people, through her thoughtfulness, through her coaching and mentorship roles.
“She made anyone who came in contact with her feel special and that they could achieve whatever they put their mind to and that she would be there to help if they wished, on the journey to living out their potential.”
DR GREGORY CROSLAND (MANLY) – OAM
For service to dermatology, particularly in rural areas.
Dr Crosland has worked as a specialist dermatologist for over 30 years.
As well as being head of the Department of Dermatology at Royal North Shore Hospital and as the honorary secretary of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Dr Crosland has provided a Dermatology service to rural areas including the Riverina, the Central Coast, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour, for 25 years with special interest in skin cancer and acne.
JULIE EMERSON (BAYVIEW) – OAM
For service to the community through a range of roles.
As well as being a former president of Pittwater RSL Club, Ms Emerson has been on its board since 2016.
She is also the current president of the Australian Driver Trainers Association and chair of the Nature Based Tourism Subcommittee with the New South Wales Environmental
Trust.
Ms Emerson is a former chair of the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council
and a member of the former Pittwater Council from 1995 to 2016, including one year as deputy mayor.
MAUREEN RIZK (KILLARNEY HEIGHTS) – OAM
For service to the community through charitable organisations.
Ms Risk has been a fundraiser for a range of organisations including My Westmead,
Westmead Medical Group Foundation, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The Brain Cancer Group, the Zero Childhood Cancer Program and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
She has been the organiser of the Arab Bank Australia Charity Golf Days and Arab Bank Australia/George Khouzame Group Charity Brunches, since 2015.
DENNIS SUNDIN (DAVIDSON) – OAM
For service to medicine and hockey.
Dr Sundin has had a long career as a family GP on the northern beaches since 1975 — he saw his last patient on Thursday at Forest Family Practice before retiring — while combining his love for hockey.
He also found time to become involved in the Australian Medical Association NSW, including a stint as a State Councillor as well as holding positions with the Warringah District Medical Association and Manly Warringah Division of General Practice.
Dr Sundin also had a stellar career in hockey as a player, coach and administrator. As well as playing at a high level, he coached the NSW Men’s hockey team, was the Australia hockey team’s doctor and is a former president of Sydney Hockey.
“I’ve got my fourth generation of patients,” the popular GP said. “We never had any trouble getting people the books.”
JOHN STANLEY (MANLY) – OAM
For service to sailing.
This veteran sailor has been the club historian and the Sydney Flying Squadron — the original home of the famous Sydney Harbour sailing skiff class, the 18-footers — since the early 2000 as well as being its former president.
Mr Standley has also been a member of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association since 2000.
ADELE MACDONALD (FORESTVILLE) – OAM
For service to hockey.
Ms Macdonald was president of the NSW Women’s Hockey Association for eight years as well as being a life member.
She has been a Grade A Umpire, since 1975 and a selector with the North Shore Women’s Hockey Association and one of its team managers. Ms Macdonald was also president of the Rushcutters Bay Women’s Hockey Association (Eastern Districts WHA) where she was a representative player for 10 years. She also a member of the Australian Women’s Hockey Council.
GREGG BARR-JONES – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations.
Mr Barr-Jones has been Scouts NSW Regional Commissioner, Sydney North, since 2020 and a former Group Leader at the 1st Allambie Heights Scouts Group.
He is a board member of the 9 RAR (9th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment) Association, NSW and a former community team manager at the Warringah Touch Association.
At Archery Australia, Mr Barr-Jones is on the coaching staff for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games while at Archery NSW he has been a committee member and coaching development cordinator.
He is a coach at Warringah Archers and has been a competitor at nine National Championships and coached at three.
Mr Barr-Jones was on the board of the Forrestville Ferrets Junior Rugby League Football Club and been the Commanding Officer, 305 Squadron of Australian air force Cadets since 2022.
SANDRA WALKER (SEAFORTH) – OAM
For service to youth through Scouts.
Ms walker is a Line Leader and Group Leader at the 1st Seaforth Sea Scouts.
She is former Helper and Badge Tester ans was named a “Silver Koala” by Scouts Australia in 2020.
DANIEL LEAVY (WARRIEWOOD) – AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
For outstanding public service through improving vehicle and road safety across the NSW road network.
He spent his 24-year career with Transport for NSW to improve vehicle standards for better road safety in NSW.
As Senior Manager (Safer Vehicles), Mr Leavy’s role was to improve the safety of vehicles and implement policies and programs that would reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries, which contributed to the 2021 NSW road toll being the lowest in almost 100 years.
Mr Leavy demonstrated his passion and dedication to his role after he suffered a major stroke, returning to complete significant projects throughout his rehabilitation, before ultimately having to medically retire. He is now an ambassador for the Stroke Recovery Association NSW.
SOUTH WEST SYDNEY
ANDREW MACDONALD (CATHERINE FIELD) – AUSTRALIA FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Growing up on a property near Tumbarumba with a dad in the local brigade for 35 years, firefighting was in Andrew Macdonald’s blood.
In one month, the now Catherine Field resident will mark his 35th year as a volunteer firefighter with the RFS, and it’s been a vocation that has taken him across the country and the world.
Mr Macdonald is a group captain within the Macarthur District, a member of the Remote Area Fire Team, and an RFS aviation specialist. He has extensive operational experience.
He has led strike teams for fire emergencies around NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria, and in 2013 and 2015, he travelled to Botswana as part of the Botswana Fire Management Program.
“I have been to house fires, car accidents, drownings. The hardest days are always the ones where you lose a life,” he said. “The toughest thing is watching the reaction of their loved ones.”
But Mr Macdonald is not only at the fire fronts, he was one of the inaugural trustees of the NSW RFS and Brigades Donations Fund, and in 2019 he was appointed chairman, a position he still holds.
Mr Macdonald said he would encourage others to find ways to serve and help their community, whether by joining the RFS or through other means.
HEATHER BIEMAN (CAMDEN) – OAM
Camden’s Heather Bieman has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to music through teaching, mainly through AGAPE ARTS, which she founded in 2004.
She said it was overwhelming to find out she had been nominated.
“I have always loved relating to people of all ages, and I think music is a great way to encourage people with individual talents,” Ms Bieman said. “It’s also been a great way to get to know people, and I have done some choral work with mass choirs.
“It was an amazing opportunity and such fun. It’s a passion to encourage children to develop a love of music.”
Ms Bieman said she was lucky enough to be involved with a wonderful church and community, and she encouraged others to find ways to give back as it was a “blessing both ways”.
KIM HILL – OAM
Kim Hill has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community through emergency response organisations.
A volunteer with multiple organisations since she was 14, Ms Hill worked with Kerrie O’Grady to set up the Community Recovery Hub at Balmoral Village Hall in the Southern Highlands after the devastating black summer fires.
“I could not have done this on my own, and we are both grateful for the help of many volunteers who helped over many months to support various communities,” she said. “We worked with the councils to help provide support and then pulled in resources to make it a one-stop-shop for people impacted by the fires.
“As a result of ‘cracks in the system’ that Kerrie and I noticed, we have since formed a new NFP group OSCA- One Stop Community Assistance, which attends various forums in disaster recovery, raises funds and works with like-minded groups in a collaborative approach to continue to support the community.”
SANDRA KUBECKA (CAMDEN) – PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Sandra Kubecka has been recognised for her public service in response to and recovery efforts during the devastating Camden floods.
As a Camden resident, Mrs Kubecka is the current director of community assets at the council and was responsible for emergency response and recovery.
She was the brainchild behind setting up a flood recovery information hub in the main street of Camden as an initial triage centre and support location for impacted residents and businesses. This model was the first of its kind.
HAYLEY TURNER (WILTON) – AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
Wilton resident Hayley Turner started with NSW Ambulance more than 20 years ago and advanced as an intensive care paramedic in 2006.
Ms Turner has proven to be a skilled clinician, adaptable manager, valuable mentor and an inspiring leader who has worked in various clinical, operational and corporate roles, including within change management leadership.
She is the associate director of the Virtual Clinical Care Centre and also worked as the acting director of the NSWA Public Health Unit during the peak of the delta variant wave mid-2021 and worked tirelessly to develop processes to ensure timely, reliable and consistent advice reporting and messaging to support staff safety and wellbeing.
MECHEL PIKOULAS – OAM
For service to education
Strathfield Girls High School principal and teacher of over 30 years Mechel Pikoulas understands what is needed to support young people to reach their full potential.
“As a passionate educator, the greatest impact of the work that I do is inspiring hope and self-belief in young people. It’s such a joy,” she said.
“Being able to support some of our most vulnerable learners so that they can rise above disadvantage and hardship, realise their potential, and strive for personal excellence is always fulfilling.”
Ms Pikoulas said she was humbled and honoured by her award and is extremely privileged to be working alongside brilliant educators.
“ If I were to thank anyone, it would be the thousands of students who have given me such joy throughout my teaching career,” she said.
ROBERT JOHN GRIMSON & RUTH ELAIN GRIMSON – OAM
For service to the community through a range of roles and for service to the community of Liverpool
After 63-years of marriage thanks to a fateful meeting at a Scouts dance in 1957, Robert and Ruth Grimson have plenty of stories to tell about their life in south west Sydney.
But their favourite memories are of their extensive volunteer work in the community.
Robert, 84 and Ruth, 82 said they’re both “very humbled” to be nominated for the prestigious award.
“It’s a pinnacle for our many years of service because you don’t volunteer for the community to get rewarded,” they said.
Robert has a long history with the Lions International and City of Liverpool Lions Club, including positions as a district governor from 1977-1978 and president during 2007 – 2008.
A highlight of his volunteer work was getting up at 8am on Christmas morning with the Lions club to dress up as Santa Claus and deliver gifts to children and babies in the maternity ward at Liverpool Hospital.
He was also a Liverpool Hospital director from 1979 – 1985 and was a volunteer for various organisations including Bambi Nursing Home and Meals on Wheels.
“The satisfaction of helping others is the greatest reward than any form of payment,” he said.
Ruth has been recognised for her contribution to the Liverpool Community after holding numerous volunteer positions with Meals on Meals and Frank Whiddon Masonic Homes Auxiliary.
She was also a member of the Liverpool Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Liverpool City Council Heritage Advisory Committee and was the founding president of the Liverpool Lioness Club in 1975.
The 82-year-old said her passion for volunteering came from her parents.
“I hope our kids are following in our footsteps and it’s rewarding, you don’t ask for anything but a simple thank you,” she said.
FRANKLIN GEORGE DAVIES (GREENACRE) – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations
The Greenacre local has a long history volunteering in south west Sydney.
Mr Davis has been a volunteer for Bicycle NSW since 2012, a member of Bankstown Men’s Shed since 2012.
He was also a member of the Citizens Military Force from 1956-1960 and received various service medals including the anniversary of national service in 2002.
He is also a member of the Bass-Hill sub-branch for Returned and Services League of Australia since 2006 and is an active volunteer for the Kokoda Track memorial walkway in Concord.
VINOD DANIEL – OAM
For service to conservation and the environment
For Vinod Daniel, being recognised for his longstanding work in conservation and the environment was a “very pleasant surprise.”
“It’s a very good feeling when you don’t expect to win an award like this and suddenly you look at your name and it’s a good feeling, I’m very honoured,” he said.
Mr Daniel said he takes pride in his involvement in museums across the world in their conservation and preservation in cultural collections.
He has worked in 45 countries and collaborated with hundreds of museums – even sitting close to Tutankhamun’s bed when he worked in Eygpt.
“The art you are dealing are so rich and historic from thousands of years so in terms of everyday it’s fascinating day as you don’t know what you’re going to see,” he said.
He has been the Chairman of AusHeritage, Vice Chairman for the International Council of Museums and CEO and managing trustee or the India Vision Institute.
JULIE ANNE BERTRAM – OAM
For service to early childhood education
For Julie Bertam, the recognition for her contribution to early childhood education across southwest Sydney has been a “humbling” experience.
“I’m really honoured that people feel what I’ve done has contributed to our local community and to the lives of children,” she said.
Ms Bertam was the founder and facilitator of Kidsplay@Revesby preschool playground since 2009 and has held various roles in Revesby Uniting Church including a co-ordinator for the support group for children and parents with disabilities from 2009 – 2013.
She has also held numerous roles in the Department of Education as a teacher and as a co-ordinator for the ‘Deadly -Beginnings – Deadly Futures program from 2015-2022 for the Bankstown Community Resource Group.
“It's a really rewarding experience to see children developing and to see them every step of the way, you know you’ve made a difference in some way to that child,” she said.
LOUISE COOPER (CARRAMAR) – OAM
For service to the Maori community of Sydney
Carramar local Louise Cooper has been recognised for her service to the Maori community of Sydney, through her work in Maori charities alongside community and professional work.
Ms Cooper has been the Director of the Sydney Maori Anglican Fellowship Church of Te Wairua Tapu and also the social media manager of the Sydney Marae Alliance.
She has been a food van volunteer for Youth Off The Streets since 2012 and was a member of the Community Foundation Council from 2016-2017.
ALLEN KNOWLES – AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL
Mr Allen Knowles joined NSW Ambulance in 1977 and has since undertaken various roles throughout his career, including as a leader of control centre staff.
Mr Knowles has been involved and managed notable emergency responses such as the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, the 1991 Strathfield massacre, the 1997 Thredbo landslide, the 2011 Quakers’ Hill Nursing Home fire, and the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege.
His actions have set a benchmark of service to the community, even in sometimes extremely difficult or untested operational scenarios.
Western Sydney
A man who has spent 44 years – and counting – volunteering with the state emergency service and a woman who makes sure nobody in her community goes cold or hungry, feature in the list of Nepean and Blue Mountains residents honoured on the 2023 King’s Birthday honours list.
The other recipients — many of whom are not well known to the general public — are everyday unsung heroes who have been recognised for their selfless services to the community and their professions.
GAI HAWTHORN – OAM
A driving force behind maintaining Penrith’s famous community spirit, Gai Hawthorn has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her dedicated community service – donating her time to Penrith Community Kitchen, PCYC Penrith and the McGrath foundation.
Her motto, she says is: “If not me, than who?
While her volunteer work is extensive, Ms Hawthorn said her work with McGrath Foundation, in which she helped secure three nurses for breast cancer patients at Nepean hospital was her proudest achievement.
“With McGrath foundation we’ve raised $265,000 and put three nurses into Nepean Hospital and are heading for our fourth and they do incredible work,” she said.
“We virtually started the vision, we went from no nurses to three, and they do incredible work supporting patients and their family.”
DAVID PHILLIP PARSONS (KATOOMBA) – EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL
Spending 44 years as a volunteer with the State Emergency Service is just one of the achievements behind David Phillip Parsons, of Katoomba being awarded the Emergency Services Medal. Mr Parsons has also taken on the roles of counter-terrorism agent for Sydney Water – which saw him attend an APEC meeting in Peru, and Regional Emergency Management Officer.
In reflecting on his career Mr Parsons says “there’s never been a dull day,” and his long service is motivated by the fellow volunteers around him.
“The nothing more enjoyable than helping people, especially if there’s no one else there to help them. I like working with people who care about others and the SES is a big family of people who care about others,” Mr Parsons said.
GRAHAM ANDREW (BLAXLAND) – AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Ever since starting as a firefighter back in 1992, Graham Andrew of Blaxland has taken on a range of roles working with Fire Rescue NSW, which have seen him be deployed overseas to assist with recovery efforts in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam, and Turkiye after the recent earth quake.
Mr Andrew said he was very thankful for the opportunities afforded to him over his career, and he still loved his job as much as he did when he first started.
“Its had some challenges along the way, any emergency service does, but its extremely rewarding. I still love my job, back then and now,” he said. “I feel extremely humbled by the nomination, it‘s a true honour to be recognised for the service I’ve given.
“Over the years I’ve seen the recipients come through each year and the calibre of staff who receive that order is quite high.”
LEISA MAREE MCGIVERN (GLENMORE PARK) – OAM
A belief all children deserve love and security is what inspires Leisa McGivern’s dedication as a foster carer. She says the award is “surprising” to her and she is “just doing something she loves.”
Ms McGivern, from Glenmore Park has been a foster carer since 2000, starting at New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice before moving onto Anglicare, who she has been with since 2014.
“Being a carer gives me and my family so much joy and happiness, every child comes with a story and I feel blessed to be part of at least a chapter I their life,” she said.
“I work with their birth family to strengthen their connection so they know their identity and who they belong to.”
GARY PATRICK SMITH (BLAXLAND) – AM
A variety of roles demonstrating significant service to medical administration, among other professional organisations has earned Gary Smith of Blaxland the award of Member of the Order of Australia.
Mr Smith has been the director of Australian General Practice Accreditation since 2006, as well as their Chairman and Director for Quality Innovation since 2010 and 2007 respectively.
CAROL COOPER (KATOOMBA) – OAM
Service to the indigenous community of the Blue Mountains is what has earnt Carol Cooper the Medal of the Honour of Australia.
An elder of Darug and Gundungurra Nations, Ms Cooper who lives in Katoomba has dedicated her time across a variety of roles including a board member of Blue Mountains People for Reconciliation since 1997 and a foundation member of Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre since 1996.
As well as throwing her hat in the ring for an array of volunteering opportunities with Katoomba North Public School’s Koori Club, Upper Mountains Basketball Association and Katoomba Winter Magic Festival, Ms Cooper also co-authored a book Fun and Games in Gundungurra, published in 2007.
STEPHEN JOHN THORPE (SOUTH PENRITH) – PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Stephen Thorpe has championed prisoner education programs providing inmates with the opportunity to gain real-world employability skills to enhance their rehabilitation and employment.
The South Penrith man is being recognised for his outstanding service in driving change and innovation in Corrective Services NSW and maximising opportunities for inmates while demonstrating genuine care and compassion for them.
MICHAEL MORRIS (NORWEST) – OAM
Judaism in Sydney is synonymous with the eastern suburbs and pockets of the north shore but Michael Morris is devoted to ensuring his faith thrives in Sydney’s west.
The Parramatta and District Synagogue president has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the Jewish community.
The 70 year old served as the synagogue’s president between 2011 and 2019 and took over the reins again in 2022.
The Norwest resident was raised with the synagogue where he attended Sunday school, had his bat mitzvah and prepared for his marriage to Sue 46 years ago.
Upholding tradition is important to the retired tax agent but “it’s more about ensuring the synagogue survives long term and its financial future is secure so we don’t have to worry about closing down’’.
“It’s important we do all we can to maintain the Jewish presence for the people in the area.’’
Forty families belong to the Parramatta and District Synagogue on Victoria Rd, an unassuming building which started out as a wooden place of worship before a brick structure replaced it in the early 1990s.
“We’re a relatively small community,’’ Mr Morris said. “We were much bigger in the earlier days in the ‘50s when the Jews migrated from overseas countries but as people aged they made their way to the east and the north. We take a low profile – some of that is because the area is not overly conducive to Judaism.’’
Two decades ago, the synagogue, which was established in 1949, was targeted with firebombs on the property and rocks were hurled in the rabbi’s house. No one was injured.
“When things blow up around Israel and Gaza there’s a lot more to look out for so it ebbs and flows a bit,’’ Mr Morris said.
Security on the property is tight, where cameras, video surveillance and fences form a heavy presence.
But Mr Morris does not let that detract from his devotion to his religion.
“It’s the family, relationships, it’s contrary to what people read in the newspapers about Israel and Gaza – the religion isn’t about that at all,’’ he said.
For the father of three adult children, he is pleased with what he and the committees have achieved including the construction of the non-denominational preschool, a hall revamp and new bathrooms thanks to state government funding five years ago.
He has also held other executive positions in the synagogue including treasurer and vice president.
Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald (BLACKTOWN) – OAM
When veteran cop and Blacktown councillor Bob Fitzgerald’s family fell on tough times as a child, the community’s response had an indelible impact on him.
One of four children, he attended 13 different primary schools before he reached year 4 and when his parents eventually bought a house at Quakers Hill it was repossessed.
Their TV was among items they pawned to help make ends meet. It was the response from the community that helped them get through the “dreadful’’ ordeal.
He now has empathy for others struggling with the cost of living and has been a prolific community figure in Blacktown for decades.
“I wanted to keep helping people and I wanted to repay people after what people did for my family,’’ Fitzgerald, now 61, said.
Alongside his fellow Blacktown councillors Julie Griffiths and Susai Benjamin, Fitzgerald – a cop of 38 years – was awarded for his service to the Blacktown area with a Medal of the Order of Australia.
He joined the force in 1985 and worked at multiple commands, from the gritty inner city to the challenging beats of Sydney’s greater west.
He has come full circle at Blacktown police station, where, as a teenager, he would help his dad during his cleaning shifts.
When he’s not on the beat as the chief inspector with Blacktown police, he’s organising the Relay for Life fundraiser for the NSW Cancer Council as a committee member and supporter for Blacktown and Penrith.
As a refugee advocate for the past 25 years, he has also chaired the SydWest Multicultural Services.
Not fazed by taking on more responsibilities, the father of seven and grandfather of six was elected on to Blacktown Council in 2021.
“ … I want to continue having a say and listening to the community and championing their voice because a lot of time people don’t get heard in this community,’’ he said.
“If you ask my wife I’m the world’s best listener.’’
Sport is another passion for Fitzgerald who has been the Blacktown City Netball Association vice president since 2017 and served as the Eastern Creek Pioneers Netball Club president for 22 years until 2019.
Not surprisingly, the OAM is not Fitzgerald’s first award – the 2016 Blacktown Council Australia Day Citizen of the Year are among his accolades.
THE LATE ALLAN FREDERICK GARSIDE – OAM
Former Socceroo Allan Garside’s talent propelled him to the international stage but it’s a talent that started in Granville for the centre forward, who has been awarded a posthumous Order of Australia Medal for his service to Australian football.
Garside, who died in May 2021 aged 94, loved the code and started playing with the Granville Kewpies from 1937 to 1942 and the Granville Magpies in 1943 to 1958.
He scored more than 50 goals with the Granville Magpies in 1952.
He represented Australia from 1953 to 1955 when sport was not professional and meant he was a milkman for the dairy next to the family’s Blaxcell St house at Granville, where 84 cows would be milked a day during World War II.
“He just used to make sure he got the milk run done before he played football,’’ Garside’s proud son, Alan, 69, said. “Dad would be humbled and just so proud that he’s been recognised for his participation in the sport he loved. He reckons the only reason he went to school was so that he could play soccer at lunchtime.’’
Even after he was a Socceroo, Garside’s ties to Granville remained strong. He raised his family in the suburb and continued playing with the Magpies until 1958. He also coached the Granville Kewpies.
FS Garside Park at Granville is named after his father, Frank Sidney.
SUSAI BENJAMIN (TOONGABBIE) – OAM
Service to the law and community has earned Toongabbie resident and Blacktown councillor an Order of Australia Medal.
The Toongabbie Legal Centre acting principal solicitor has excelled in his career and was the NSW Law Society’s Michelle Crowther PSM Excellence Award recipient in 2019.
He was elected on to Blacktown Council in 2012 and serves ward three, which takes in suburbs such as Seven Hills.
He has also been involved in the council’s multicultural advisory committee, community service committee and seniors advisory committee.
JULIE GRIFFITHS (QUAKERS HILL) – OAM
Local government is a passion for Julie Griffiths who has served as a Blacktown councillor for the past 15 years.
Along with being recognised for significant service to local government, the Quakers Hill woman and Australian Local Government Women's Association life member has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal service to women's football and industrial relations.
When she’s not engaged in local politics and community advocacy, the Labor Party’s Lalor Park branch secretary is a Rural Fire Service volunteer with the Plumpton brigade and a member of Blacktown Lions Club.
She has also shone in the sporting domain with a lengthy CV, including coaching the under-21s Blacktown Spartans and Nepean Women’s Super League sides and serving as a coach, volunteer and committee member with Quakers Hill Soccer Club.
THE HILLS AND HORNSBY
DIANA MOEHEAD (NORMANHURST) - OAM
For service to youth through Girl Guides, and to the community.
Mrs Moehead, 81, has been recognised for devoted service to the community and the youth through Girl Guides.
Last year, Mrs Moehead received a 40 years of Service Award for Girl Guides Australia.
“I never thought I’d get that far,” Mrs Moehead said.
The grandmother – soon to be great grandmother – said she believed it was important to engage the youth.
“The youth alway need a helping hand. Times have changed since I was a kid growing up – the cost of living is certainly difficult,” she said.
Mrs Moehead has dedicated much of her life bettering the youth and advocating for them.
“The youth are the future of our world, I believe we should be helping them learn how to live and live good lives,” Mrs Moehead said.
Mrs Moehead said she was stunned after finding out about the honour.
“I didn‘t do it with the expectation of getting a reward – it’s just what I’ve always done,” she said.
What drove Mrs Moehead was simply to help people, and in pursuit of that, she said she was exposed to lifelong friends and great company along the way.
Mrs Moehead is also a life member of the Hornsby Gang show and is heavily involved with the Normanhurst Uniting Church, having been the former President and Social Committee Member at the Ladies Church Fellowship for 45 years.
DR GREGORY JOHN MARCAR (KELLYVILLE) - OAM
For service to medicine through a range of roles.
Dr Marcar, 84, was pivotal in reforming the health industry into how it is today, promoting and advocating for doctors with foreign degrees.
Honoured for his service to medicine through a range of roles, Dr Marcar was raised in India as an Armenian, and saw first-hand the inequality foreign doctors experienced.
“They were having difficulties getting established and there were hurdles in their ability to register to practice,” Dr Marcar said.
Dr Marcar saw severe equity issues and soon became president for what is now the Australian Indian Graduates Association, pioneering the way forward and helping “foster good will” in the medical community.
“Health service is well provided from Indian doctors today,” he said.
Dr Marcar said the special honour of OAM “came out of the blue”, having devoted his time without expecting anything in return.
“The chance to represent foreign doctors fell into my lap – I did it because it was there and no one else was doing it,” Dr Marcar said.
Dr Marcar was passionate about the public health system and was pivotal in conserving the historic Lidcombe Hospital, as president of the Lidcombe Heritage Group.
His group helped preserve the 1893 building which was once an “old-aged asylum” opened to ease overcrowding at other state institutions.
“During the gold rush, the immigration boom and the great depression, many old, unskilled elderly were left with nowhere to go,” he said.
Dr Marcar said the site was originally housed by older homeless communities and petty criminals – but a geriatric hospital soon opened to ease the pressure on the health system.
Dr Marcar grew a special attachment to the site, due to the work it did for the old and poor, and for its physical features.
“Unlike many places, Lidcombe was a great place to work, it was historical, with beautiful old wards and verandas with lovely grounds and plenty of greenery,” he said.
Dr Marcar also published the novel, “A historical tour of Lidcombe Hospital” in 1995.
JACOB ISRAEL JACKSON (BELLA VISTA) - PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Mr Jackson was honoured for his work in the implementation of Rapid Antigen Screening for Corrective Services NSW, which was rolled out to staff across 140 corrective services sites including all NSW Correctional Centres.
Several Covid outbreaks occurred within jails – forcing inmates to isolate within their cells and causing extended time locked up in prisons due to delays in court proceedings – all of which are still being felt today.
Mr Jackson’s work was therefore essential in detecting Covid positive inmates, preventing transmission across vulnerable members of the community.
He was able to employ Rapid Antigen Tests in August 2021, when their use was still novel, and maintained the procurement and supply at competitive prices, saving over $350,000 for the NSW Government.
His hard work meant Corrective Services NSW among the first NSW government agencies able to secure enough supply to test every 24 hours across all 36 Correctional Centres.
Mr Jackson and his team also assisted several other departments by providing them testing equipment when required as well as expert advice on the use of RAS in other Australian and International jurisdictions including Western Australia, the ACT, Victoria and New Zealand.
While co-ordinating resources, maintaining project documentation, and implementing and monitoring the RAS project plan, Mr Jackson undertook a Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management, ensuring he continued to be an effective and resourceful leader.
He worked tirelessly setting up testing sites and ensuring a sufficient supply of tests, often with as little as one day‘s notice.
As a result of Mr Jackson‘s work, Corrective Services NSW led in the use of RAS in non-clinical settings across the nation.
Corrective Services NSW has undertaken over 741,085 Rapid Antigen Tests and managed to detect and prevent 1,712 Covid positive people from entering the workplace.
GRANT STANLEY WARGREN (BEROWA HEIGHTS) - AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Mr Wargren joined the then Elouera Brigade in 1977 as Deputy Captain before serving in the Hornsby Headquarters Brigade as Senior Deputy Captain and Captain of the Berowra Brigade.
As senior Group Captain, Mr Wargren was involved with the training, operational mobilisation and organisation of thousands of volunteer firefighters.
His leadership and tactical understanding was put to use during major wildfire and other incident campaigns, both locally and out-of-area, since the late 1970s.
During the 2019/2020 fire season, Mr Wargren had key leadership roles in locations varying from the Mid-North Coast to the Victorian border.
He also led strike teams to incidents in Victoria, including the Black Saturday fire, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.
Mr Wargren has been pivotal in recruitment, developing training and assessment programs and leading training programs as a volunteer training coordinator at a district level, and embracing and promoting positive change management in training curriculum.
He also worked with Rural Fire Service (RFS) state training officers in delivering instructor and assessor courses across the State.
He partook in regional and state level Incident Management Training (IMT) as a mentor and facilitator, and has experience working on Incident Management Teams during large operations.
In 2011, Mr Wargren was selected by RFS to deploy to the Republic of Botswana in an operational training leadership role to build fire management capability within Botswana fire agencies.
During his time as a field commander, his quick thinking, tactical ability, and task prioritisation skills contributed to saving many properties and lives by the on-set of fires with crews working under his command.
Mr Wargren is a member of the newly formed Greater Sydney Area, Command and Leadership Group, and is a dedicated volunteer who has given 46 years of exemplary service to the community and to the RFS.
SUPERINTENDENT GRANT WILLIAM TAYLOR - AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL
Sup Int. Taylor’s extensive and impressive career began when he joined the NSW Police Force in 1986, where he was stationed at Hornsby and Pymble.
He soon moved into criminal investigation and was became a Detective in 1993.
Sup Int. Taylor performed criminal investigation duties in Sydney and then in regional NSW at Wagga Wagga and the Corrections Investigations Unit at Junee Correctional Centre.
In 1998, Sup Int. Taylor returned to Sydney, where he was employed to the Violence and Major Offenders Unit, Drug and Organised Crime and also performed duties as a negotiator with the State Protection Group.
In 2002, he was promoted to Detective Sergeant, performing duties at the newly established Task Force Gain – launched to target gun crimes.
The same Task Force led to about 1000 arrests and over 2000 criminal charges, in its first year, primarily relating to drug and firearms offences.
He was promoted to Detective Inspector in 2004 as Crime Manager in Rose Bay, before commencing duties with the Australian Crime Commission.
On loan to the Australian Crime Commission (ACC), as Deputy Head of High Risk Crime Groups, Sup Int. Taylor became the first NSW Police Officer to perform the role of Counsel Assisting the Crime Commissioner for coercive hearings.
He later performed the role of senior investigator at the Joint Task Force with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in the USA and in Germany with the Federal Criminal Police Office.
In January 2009, Sup Int. Taylor was awarded the Australian Crime Commission‘s Rod Amery Team Award for dedication and commitment to Operation Lavernock which successfully seized four tonnes of MDMA following an investigation.
In 2021, he was promoted to Detective Superintendent, Commander, Criminal Groups Squad.
While attached to the Homicide Squad he worked closely with Interpol and the AFP Fugitive Team in attempting to extradite a murder suspect from Greece to Australia and continues to provide victim support to the family and has never ceased attempts to bring the suspect to justice.
He is recognised for his ability to work collaboratively across multi-jurisdictions, with the NSW Crime Commission, the AFP, Australian Border Force, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and other law enforcement agencies.
REGIONAL NSW
MID-NORTH COAST
From surf club legends to long serving public servants these Mid-North Coast residents have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
The local faces reflect the national trend with the majority of recipients women for the first time since the Order of Australia was established in 1975.
LORRAINE ANNE BURT (KANGAROO CREEK) – OAM
Mrs Lorraine Anne Burt is the Vice-President of the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia and has been involved with the organisation for 20 years.
She has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to veterans and their families.
Mrs Burt is passionate about helping women with partners who fought in war.
“My husband is a Vietnam Veteran, he did two tours of Vietnam and has PTSD which affected our children,” Mrs Burt said. “It’s hard for them to cope sometimes.”
This is a reason Mrs Burt encourages the partners of veterans who need help to reach out.
“We’re always trying to improve the lives of partners and their families,” she said.
She was surprised when she found out she was getting the award.
“I was blown-away, I had no idea,” she said.
“There are lots of women in the Partners of Veterans Association who deserved this award and I’m very privileged to have got it.”
To celebrate Mrs Burt invited her family over for dinner on Monday night but they don’t know why they are coming over yet.
Mrs Burt has previously been rewarded with a Pristine Waters Australia Day Community Award in 2004.
COLIN BALL (SOUTH WEST ROCKS) – OAM
Born and raised in the Kempsey area Colin Ball is well known and widely respected for his contributions to surf life saving.
His family operates the legendary Ball’s Butchery and the business has been a long-term sponsor of surf life saving events across the region.
“I was born and raised in Kempsey East – we used to ride horses to school,” he said.
He left school at the age of 14 to learn the butchery trade and he is still the managing director of Ball’s Butchery.
His sons Geoff and Grahame have worked with him since finishing school and Graham’s son Billy joined the team last year as an apprentice.
At 86 he no longer swims but remembers coming third in the state in surf boat rowing in a carnival at Wanda in 1958.
Colin and his wife Pam, who passed away two years ago, sponsored surf carnivals and were instrumental in the Nippers program at South West Rocks.
JACLYNE FISHER (WAUCHOPE) – OAM
Jaclyne Fisher is both “pleased and proud” to be awarded an OAM.
“My only regret is that my mother is not here to know,” she said.
She’s also a little bit curious about who nominated her but says she has “no idea” who it was.
She has been recognised for her 45 years in the public service, with various organisations from the Australian Customs Service to Port-Macquarie Hastings Council where she was employed as a group manager in the areas of community engagement and planning; and community development.
Her sister Toni, who passed away about 18 years ago, had an intellectual disability and Jaclyne passed on her love of horse riding to her.
“It gave her so much joy,” she said.
Wanting to spread that joy she has been a volunteer horseriding assistant coach at Wauchope/Port Macquarie Riding for the Disabled since 2014. She has also held various senior roles within the Hastings Valley Dressage Club Incorporated from 2010 to the present.
JAN IRVINE (FORSTER) – OAM
For decades Jan Irvine has been trying to make her community “a better place to live in” and the 85-year-old has no plans to wind it back.
Her husband Alf had a bank job so they moved around a lot.
“We were only ever three years in one place, and I felt I had a responsibility to try to make each of those places a better place to live in,” she said.
In the 1980s they took on the Wingham Newsagency and she volunteered as a reader and scribe for students struggling with literacy.
“There was one year nine student I remember who couldn’t read a Dr Zuess book,” she said.
This set the tone for her work as a literacy advocate and scribe in schools for years to come.
She was the founding member of the Breast Friends Great Lakes Breast Cancer Support Group in 2007 and has been a member of countless service groups from Quota through to Probus.
Jan and her husband now live at the Golden Ponds retirement village where she’s taken on the role of outings officer.
JACQUELINE IRENE HYDE (TAREE) – OAM
For service to women.
She was the Wingham Branch, Country Women‘s Association secretary from 2002-2005 and a member since 2002.
Prior to this she was an active member of the Pilliga Branch of the Country Women‘s Association holding a number of roles from 1954 to 2002.
Throughout the 60s and 70s she was an active member of the Barwon Group Office of the Country Women‘s Association
In 2004 she was the recipient of a the 50 Year Medallion of the Country Women’s Association in 1950 she was made a recipient of Life Membership, Associated Country Women of the World.
CHEYNE FLANAGAN (MID-NORTH COAST) - OAM
For service to wildlife preservation and conservation.
RONALD HILL JOHNSON (WOOLGOOLGA) - OAM
For service to the community through music.
DR PAUL CHRISTOPHER COLLETT (GLOUCESTER) – OAM
For service to medical administration.
ELIZABETH ANNE CAMPBELL (EAST KEMPSEY) – OAM
For service to local government, and to the community of Kempsey.
ALBERT FALZON (EUNGAI CREEK) – OAM
For service to surfing, and to the visual arts.
PROFESSOR GAIL ELIZABETH WHITEFORD (PORT MACQUARIE) – OAM
For significant service to tertiary education, and to community health.
THE LATE TIMOTHY PAGE (BELLINGEN) - OAM
For service to photojournalism.
SOUTH COAST
PAMELA HAMORY (MORUYA) – OAM
For service to the community of the Eurobodalla
Pamela Hamory has been a member of the Eurobodalla community for more than 20 years and in that time, has achieved a remarkable amount.
Interested in sports, in 1973, Miss Hamory became the fourth woman in Australia to become a certified NRL referee.
“It was a huge honour,” she said.
But, it wasn’t just her interest in sports which saw her awarded an OAM, she has been a volunteer in many community groups around the Eurobodalla, including Red Cross.
“We did a lot during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Fires,” she said.
“We helped run the evacuation centres in Batemans Bay and Moruya and we helped provide food to the people using them.”
During her time in the Eurobodalla Shire, Ms Hamory has also become the president of the Alpaca Breeders Association and has volunteered for various disability support groups.
She said she was honoured to have been awarded an OAM this King’s Birthday.
“I am just one of many people helping others and volunteering in the Eurobodalla community, but I am so honoured to see my work being recognised,” she said.
WILLIAM DEVERIL (MERIMBULA) – OAM
For service to the communities of Merimbula and Pambula
William “Bill” Deveril has been a member of the Merimbula and Pambula communities his whole life.
Some of his achievements go from building the Merimbula Theatre, to being a lifelong member of the Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club.
“I left the area for about 12 months at one point to surf in New Zealand, but then I came right back,” he said.
Mr Deveril reformed the Pambula Surf Lifesaving Club in 1963, however, he no longer rescues or does patrols.
“I’m a little too old for that now,” he said.
Despite this, he still attends all their meetings as a lifelong member.
In the 1970s, Mr Deveril was on the Merimbula Hall committee when he discovered the area needed a new theatre for performers and groups to use, so rather than sitting around, he and his buddy, John Stewart, had the theatre designed by an architect and built.
“I’ve always just loved working for the community,” he said.
When Mr Deveril had found out he was nominated for an OAM, he said he was “honoured”, but also felt a sense of impostor syndrome.
“I don’t do the things I do for awards, but it is great to be recognised,” he said.
ILLAWARRA
ROGER BADHAM (WOMBARRA) – OAM
For service to science as a meteorologist
Dr Roger ‘Clouds’ Badham has been a meteorologist for 50 years and is the principal of the Marine Weather Services.
The Wombarra local has an impressive resume having provided his expertise to 100s of sporting events including 40 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Races and 10 America’s Cups.
ALAN DAVID BEVERIDGE (BARRACK POINT) – OAM
For service to surf lifesaving
Alan Beveridge has dedicated decades to the region‘s surf lifesaving community.
Mr Beveridge, of Barrack Point, has held positions with Warilla-Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club since the 1970s.
He is a life member of the club, as well as the south coast Branch Suft Life Saving and Surf Life Saving NSW.
The OAM comes on the back of Mr Beveridge being named Shellharbour’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.
ARTHUR RAYMOND BOOTH (WOLLONGONG) – OAM
For service to the community of Wollongong
Wollongong businessman Arthur Booth has been operating Booth Signs since 1963.
Mr Booth has used that platform to support and sponsor the Illawarra Hawks for more than 40 years.
He has also been an integral figure for Rotary International in the Illawarra.
GIOVANNA CARDAMONE (CORDEAUX HEIGHTS) – OAM
For service to the Italian community of the Illawarra region
Cordeaux Heights Giovanna Cardamone has been the chief executive of the Italian Social Welfare Organisation of Wollongong since 2002 and held a number of other roles with multicultural organisations.
Ms Cardamone previous awards and recognition include Wollongong’s Woman of the Year in 2015, Italian Australian Woman of the Year in 2010 and a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2009.
She has also served the community as a business administration teacher with TAFE NSW and a project manager with the NSW Department of Family and Community Services.
TREVOR DENNIS GARDNER (STANWELL PARK) – OAM
For service to medicine through a range of roles
Dr Trevor Gardner was a medical officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for more than a decade where he has been deployed in Rwanda, Timor Leste and the Middle East.
The Illawarra and Shaolhaven Local Health District has been the beneficiary of Dr Gardner’s expertise where he has been a trauma director and senior career medical officer.
Dr Gardner, of Stanwell Park, was also the Deputy Leader of the ISLHD’s Covid-19 task force.
ALLAN NELSON LEAVER (FARMBOROUGH HEIGHTS) – OAM
For service to railway heritage
Allan Leaver has been spent decades contributing to railway heritage via the NSW Rail Museum (now Transport Heritage NSW).
Mr Leaver, of Farmborough Heights, has been a life member of the organisation since 2008 and he is also a volunteer at the Thirlmere Rail Museum.
Mr Leaver has also held numerous roles with St Mark’s Anglican Church in West Wollongong including service leader and preacher.
LYNTON PATRICK NICHOLAS – OAM
For service to the community through a range of organisations
Lynton Nicholas given back to his community through multiple organisations including the Flagstaff Group (disability services), the IMB Bank Community Foundation, Port Kembla Golf Club and the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong.
Recently, Mr Nicholas has been a board member of the Wollongong Homeless Hub and Housing Services.
CRAIG GEOFFREY OSBORNE – OAM
For service to the community of the Illawarra region
RMB Lawyers Managing Partner Craig Osborne is a University of Wollongong Fellow and has holds leadership positions in Regional Development Australia (Illawarra) and Unison Outsourcing.
Mr Osbourne has also contributed to two of the region’s main sporting organisations – the Wollongong Wolves and the St George Illawarra Dragons – as a board member and director.
JUDITH OYSTON (WOONONA) – OAM
For service to horticulture
Woonona woman Judith Oyston is being recognised for her decades of dedications to The Rose Society of NSW.
Mrs Oyston has been a member of TRSNSW since 1967 and achieved life member status of the organisation as well as its Illawarra branch in the 1990s.
She has held numerous roles over the years including vice-president, secretary, judge and historian.
GEOFFREY GORDON PHILLIPS (CORDEAUX HEIGHTS) – OAM
For service to the broadcast media and to the community
Geoffrey Phillips spent more than 30 decades on Illawarra lounge rooms as a newsreader for WIN TV, retiring in 2019.
Mr Phillips, of Cordeaux Heights, has contributed to various community groups off the screen including as a director of the Illawarra Retirement Trust and the Illawarra Olympic Fund Committee.
Mr Phillips was list of awards includes Wollongong’s Citizen of the Year for 2020 and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.
DR JAMES GEORGE RENSWICK – AM
For significant service to the law and to national security.
James Renwick CSC RNA is being inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia for his nearly 40 years of work in the legal profession.
Dr Renwick has held many esteemed roles including Principal Legal Officers for the Attorney-General’s Department, an associate for the Sydney Centre for International Law and member for the Military Justice Committee in the Law Council of Australia.
Dr Renwick’s work has extended into the Australian Defence Force where he has held the position of Deputy Judge Advocate General since 2021, after previous roles within the ADF Academy, Sydney navy Legal Panel and Royal Australian Naval Research.
Dr Renwick, of the northern Illawarra, is also an Honorary Adjunct Professor as the Australian National University and was recognised with the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2019.
SHARON ROBINSON – AM
For significant service to science, particularly the study of Antarctic environmental change
Distinguished Professor Sharon Robinson has played a vital role in Australia’s research in Antarctica, having completed 13 expeditions to the continent since 1996.
The University of Wollongong academic is the executive director of the Global Challenges Program, a Dean Researcher Development and Integrity and member of the ECO Antarctica Project.
Prof Robinson – a British national – is also the deputy director of the Australian Research Council’s Securing Antarctica‘s Environmental Future program, having previously chaired ARC’s Linkage Projects BEM (Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Environmental, Medical and Health).
In recent years, Prof Robinson has been recognised with Wollongong Council’s Australia Day Innovation Award, UOW’s Vice-Chancellor’s Researcher of the Year Award, Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement in Research Partnership and Impact Award and the Joint Peer Prize for Women for Species on the Move.
CENTRAL COAST
YVONNE ANNE CRESTANI (EAST GOSFORD) – OAM
Since losing her husband to cancer in 2006, former registered nurse Yvonne Crestani has made it her mission to upskill young professionals to help fight the disease.
Founder and Director of the Crestani Foundation, established in 2007, the East Gosford local has strived to raise money to provide scholarships for workers to help treat cancer patients.
“We know at the end of the day patients benefit by it, not many people have escaped cancer in their family, everybody has lost somebody,” she said.
“The higher the education and the higher trained they are, when they come out of university, so much has happened with cancer, so many breakthroughs, it needs more and more education all the time.
“It’s our job to bring people up to the latest information on treatment.”
But this latest recognition is a welcome addition to other community awards this inspiring woman has been acknowledged for and the great work she’s done through the years.
Ms Crestani also received the Central Coast Council’s Citizen of the Year award in 2019 and has been awarded Woman of the Year for the electorate of Terrigal in 2016.
PETER ERIC LAWLEY (GOSFORD) – OAM
This lifelong and proud Gosford local is a busy man, and for more than two decades has dedicated his work to recognise and support the families of veterans.
Mr Lawley’s work with Legacy came about after his father – a WWII veteran – suffered ill health and ultimately gave his life as a result of his service.
“In my role at Legacy on the Central Coast I have always focused on making the lives better for the partners and families of veterans, who have given so much for this wonderful country,” he said.
“Despite challenges like the Covid era, I am personally satisfied just what a wonderful caring organisation Legacy is and I look forward to the future years of redevelopment of our Legacy Retirement Village.”
The grandfather of six, almost seven, who admits he was “quite surprised” by the accolade, also does important work in aged care and became a President of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber just last year.
“As a lifelong Gosford local I am passionate about returning Gosford to its former glory and making it a wonderful place for people and families to live, work and play,” he added.
“I want to assist in developing a wonderful place for my children and grandchildren, and the whole Central Coast Community.”
Humbled and honoured to be recognised, he has also praised the many who have helped him along the way.
“I haven’t done this all by myself, you do it as part of a team, from work colleagues, business associates, friends, to the most important, my extended family. This recognition is not sought, but it is graciously accepted, and I will wear the OAM with great pride.”
STEVEN FRANK FORTEY (AVOCA BEACH) – OAM
There’s no doubt this retired high school teacher has a great love for his “amazing” community, praising the great work done by a number of members who also share his passion.
“It’s an amazing community with a lot of great people,” he said.
“I’m truly blessed to live here. People around this place they deserve this honour too.”
The President of the Avoca Beach Community Association, who said his OAM honour was a “complete surprise”, has worked tirelessly as a volunteer for a number of organisations.
That includes the Avoca Beach Surf Club since the 1980s, the Avoca Beach Rugby Club for 10 years, editor of the Avoca Beach News Magazine, former President of the Avoca Beach Theatre Preservation and organiser of Anzac Day Dawn Service at Avoca Beach since 2013.
“The Avoca Beach Community Association which I am president of is a really good committee which works with me and we focus on issues that are relevant to Avoca, raise money for bushfire and flood victims, support young kids, raise money for legacy,” he said.
ROBYN HAWES (GOSFORD) – OAM
For service to the community of Rookwood
RABBI JONATHAN KEREN-BLACK (NARARA) – OAM
For service to the Jewish and wider community
COLONEL ANTHONY MORTON (LONG JETTY) – OAM
For service to war widows and their families
DAVID SMALLMAN (WYOMING) – OAM
For service to the people of the Central Coast, and cricket
Newcastle
STEPHEN JOHN LEAHY (NELSON BAY) – OAM
“It’s beginning to sink in what a big honour it is, first of the King’s honours,” Stephen Leahy OAM said.
The former detective in the Victorian Police has dedicated a lot of his time to emergency response organisations, including surf life saving and SES, while also working as a risk and safety consultant in own business.
“I took the opportunity to semi-retire, probably busier than ever now,” he laughed.
“Active with the SLS Nelson Bay, member Fingal of the Beach SLSC. I’m heavily involved at a regional area as a duty officer, emergency management and leadership role in major incidents.
“Within the SES I’m the duty unit commander of Hunter Capability unit, incident management particularly major flooding events, Lismore floods, Grafton and even been out to places like Broken Hill.”
The former CEO of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter said you see the best and worst in the community but it has always been about the people.
“We don’t do it for the accolade. Working in emergency services there can be a lot of sad occasions but you’re always buoyed by the comradery and support network around you, incredibly humbling and gratifying.”
SEAN ANTHONY GORDON (CHARLESTOWN) – AM
The Indigenous businessman and Uluru statement signatory has been a significant advocate for Indigenous people right across the nation.
The former Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council boss has been instrumental in highlighting Indigenous constitutional recognition and given his people a voice into the future.
“I think the things I’m most proud of is the Darkinjung college on the Central Coast, the opportunity for those young kids to access good quality education,” he said.
“It wasn’t about questioning the public system, it was about giving aboriginal kids choice and families choice to get private school education for aboriginal kids to develop.”
The former Liberal member who quit the party in 2017 and now works as a “relationship broker” to form partnerships and help Indigenous communities across the country said he was “excited” when learning of his new title.
“Very excited by it, humbled and appreciative. Not every day you get recognised for the work you have done over many years,” he added.
Dr Jennifer Buckingham OAM – Rankin Park
The Director of Strategy at Multilit – a company well known amongst schools for reading interventions which works with 42 Indigenous school across the country – and senior research fellow, Dr Buckingham has been dedicating most of her working career to educational research and literacy.
But for the recipient of the Mona Tobias Award at Learning Difficulties Australia, she indicates her most impactful project being Five from Five.
“When I started that in 2015, there was not a lot of information around for teachers and parents that was free, to try to improve the literacy levels of their students and children,” The Rankin Park local said.
“Since then there has been a real ground swell and there’s a lot of information for teachers and parents and anyone who wants it but at the time it was relatively unique.”
The newly awarded OAM said it’s beyond important to ensure all students are exposed to books and being able to read, wherever they’re from.
“Children come to school with a range of different abilities in terms of language,” she added.
“Having a teacher who is really knowledgeable about reading instruction can really make all the difference, it’s a life changing skill.”
There were also a number of other recipients from across the Hunter:
AM
Lindsay Johnston
Graham Mullane
OAM
Vivienne Allanson – Merewether
Dr William Ian Cameron – Newcastle
Pauline Carrigan – Scone
John Conaghan – New Lambton
John Dunnet – Toronto
Elizabeth Grist – Tighes Hill
Dr Rosemary Hackworthy – Warners Bay
Patricia McMahon – Lambton
Kerry Schiemer – Salamander Bay
David Smallman – Salamander Bay
Kenneth White – Nelson Bay
Margaret Wood – Maitland
CENTRAL WEST NSW
A 92-year-old stocking agent, a woman who has dedicated her career to helping regional patients and a former mayor have been recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honour List.
The other seven recipients — many of whom are not well known to the general public — are also everyday unsung heroes who have been recognised for their selfless services to the community.
JENNIFER ARMSTRONG (DUBBO) – OAM
Jennifer Armstrong, who has volunteered with St John Ambulance Australia, Salvation Army and dedicated her nursing career to regional NSW, has been awarded the Medal of Order of Australia for her community services in Dubbo.
Providing her services to smaller communities around the central west, Ms Armstrong started her nursing career in her mid 30s and is now working in an aged care facility.
While dedicating her time to the Salvation Army and St John Ambulance, Ms Armstrong also volunteered for Royal Saving Australia and was a former first aid teacher.
Throughout her nursing career, she worked at Dubbo Private Hospital, Orana Radiology, Dubbo Base Hospital and now is a care worker for disability and aged care patients.
“You know when you’re a kid and think about what you want to be when you grow up, for me it was always nursing,” Ms Armstrong said.
Back when you can train as a nurse in the hospital, she applied but did not get accepted – although that did not stop her from pursuing her dream.
Ms Armstrong completed a “new opportunities for women” course in TAFE, reapplied and was accepted.
She said nursing, especially in aged care, is about communication.
As a chaplain for the Salvation Army, she said she “loves to chat” and understands is a large part of providing care to people.
PETER OLIVER MILLING – OAM
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Peter Oliver Millingwas destined to be interested with the livestock industry.
Established in 1973, he found and is still the managing director of Peter Milling and Company – at 92-years-old Mr Milling still attends work every day.
Throughout his career, Mr Milling has received an array of awards, including Dubbo City Development Corporation Award in 1998, Best Regional Travel Agency in 1996 and has now been pointed an OAM for his services to the stocking industry.
Being the president of the Dubbo Stock and Station Agents for three years, Mr Milling graduated from the local position and became president for the Stock and Station Agents Association in NSW from 1974 to 1977 while he was also the inaugural chairman for Australian Council of Livestock Agents NSW during the same years.
As well as his stocking achievements, Mr Milling had a passion for horse breeding as was the president of Western Districts Bloodhorse Breeders Association from 1972 to 2020.
He is also noted as a presenter on local radio station 2DU.
“I feel very humbled,” he said.
“It’s a great honour to have people in the industry recognise what you might have done for the industry and all the work that you’ve associated with it.”
KEN BARWICK – AM
For service to secondary education.
Commencing his teaching career in 1992, Mr Barwick has been both deputy and principal of Oberon High School and has been the principal of Bathurst Campus of Denison College of Secondary Education since 2017.
Setting foot in community work, Mr Barwick is the ambassador for Police Citizens Youth Club in Bathurst, is a life member for Bathurst 75 soccer club and has contributed to fundraising for Ronald Mcdonald House Charities.
LYNN MAREE BRADY – OAM
For service to the community of Bathurst.
Volunteering for the Bathurst Junior Girls Hockey Association for over three decades, Ms Brady serves as a life member.
During her time there she also volunteered for South Bathurst Hockey Club for 30 years and is currently the manager of the women’s representative teams.
She currently volunteers at St Catherine’s Aged Care, is a supporter and member for Bathurst Multiple Births Association and a Justice of the Peace.
DONNA BURTON – AM
For service to science, particularly astronomy.
Having a love for science, particularly astronomy, Ms Burton has educated students from the Coonabarabran regions to around Australia.
She was a former guest speaker at the Central West Astronomical Society and the Warrumbungle University of Third Age.
Owner of Coona Astro Ventures, Ms Burton is currently a lecturer for the University of Southern Queensland, the national co-ordinator for Astronomers Without Borders and a committee member for the astronomical society.
Since 2017, she has also been the astronomer and science communicator and the astronomer and outreach co-ordinator.
Ms Burton is the current chair of the Coonabarabran and District Chamber of Commerce and has also been an Australia Day Ambassador for Lachlan and Narromine Shire.
She was also recognised as a baton bearer in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast in 2018.
DR STEPHEN JOHN NORRIS – AM
For service to medicine.
Dedicating 36 years as a general practitioner and a rural proceduralist at the Ochre Health Medical Centre in Parkes, Dr Morris has received the Rural Medical Service Award for the NSW Rural Doctors Network in 2021.
He has also been achieved the Peter Graham Cohuna and Bill Hunter Award for his services to the rural community in 2014 and 2018.
He was also a member of the NSW Rural Doctors Network from 2010 to 2021.
ERNEST GEORGE SHAVE – AM
For service to the community of Orange.
Mr Shave has had a number of roles involved with the Anglican Church, including his time as a board member and chairman in the Anglican Growth Fund and becoming the co-ordinator for the construction of Trinity Retirement Village and restoration of the heritage-listed Bluestone Hall in the mid 90s.
Since 1980, Mr Shave has been a parishioner for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
He is also the secretary for the Trinity Foundation.
During his dedication to Orange, Mr Shave has also volunteered his time towards the Rotary Club by being a former director, secretary and program chairman.
PETER JOHN SHINTON – AM
For service to local government, and to the community of Coonabarabran.
Former Coonabarabran and Warrumnugle Shire mayor Mr Shinton has been a councillor for more than two decades.
During his time in council, Mr Shinton was the former committee member for various organisations including the Northern Inland Regional Advisory Committee, the Association of Mining and Energy Related Councils and was a board member for regional development.
Currently he volunteers at Meals on Wheels and is a driver for community care in Coonabarabran.
Not only was he recognised through his contributions in local government, Mr Shinton was also the captain of Yaminbah Brigade for NSW Rural Fire Service.
He is also recognised for his sporting commitment, including being the chairman of the North West Equestrian Expo, the treasurer for the Coonabarabran Rugby Club and a committee member for Purlewaugh Cricket Club.
DR GREGORY PEEL SMITH – AM
For service to the community through social welfare organisations.
From volunteerism to becoming a credible author, Dr Smith has a heart for the community.
He presented the seventh rural and remote mental health symposium in 2015, while he was also an academic at the Southern Cross University for the School of Arts and Social Sciences.
He is now a lecturer and the ambassador for Fred’s Place Homeless Support Service at St Vincent de Paul and a committee member for Relationships Australia.
Since 2014, Dr Smith has been a member for the steering committee for VoiceUp Australia.
MR DAVID REID VENESS – AM
For service to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Being a member of the Bathurst Parkinson’s Support Group since 2012, Mr Veness has been selected as president for Parkinson’s NSW in 2018.
Throughout his years, he was also the board member for five years and has been an ambassador for the disease since 2021.
NORTHERN RIVERS
From paramedics to wine makers these Northern Rivers residents have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
JOHN ROBERT JACOBSON (BEXHILL) – OAM
Mr John Robert Jacobson entered the Ambulance service in 1959 and has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for over 40 years of service to the community through a range of organisations.
“We live in the land of milk and honey in my view and I do what I can to help in my ambulance profession and outside of work,” Mr Jacobson said.
“I always used to say ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’, when you support the people that need help it gives me a really good feeling about being an Australian.”
Mr Jacobson is now the Chair of Operations for Freemasons charity and feels excited to have received the award.
“I was shocked, I was really taken back but I’m very appreciative and I will humble accept the award,” he said.
To celebrate, Mr Jacobson plans to have dinner with some friends and family.
“It’s been a lifetime of pleasure for me to serve the community … and give back what I’ve gained from the community both personally and professionally.”
Mr Jacobson has previously be awarded a Good Conduct Medal by New South Wales Ambulance, a National Medal (with two clasps) and an Officer of the Order of St John Jerusalem award in 1989.
JANE ELIZABETH THOMSON (ELTHAM) – AM
Ms Jane Elizabeth Thomson has been awarded a Member of the Order Medal of Australia for service to women within the oenology sector.
Her work focuses on gender equality advocacy within the wine industry as gender inequality is prominent in the Australian wine industry and Thomson said there is a massive gender pay gap, even in entry-level roles.
“There’s a huge barrier for women advancing in their careers and an unfriendly culture towards the diversity of any kind in Australian wine quite sadly,” she said.
Ms Thomson began ‘Women in Wine’ awards in 2015 which is the world’s only award program that promotes and showcases the achievements of women in wine.
She also founded ‘The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society’ and has been the Chief Executive Officer since 2012.
Ms Thomson said it’s great to be able to show her three daughters that standing up for what they believe and being persistent about it has been recognised and rewarded.
“I hope more women get recognised for their work because I know even within the OAM system it’s still very skewed towards recognising male achievements,” she said.
“I hope more women nominate each other to ensure that there are more women represented in the honours each time they are announced.”
To celebrate Thomas said she will open a very special bottle of champagne.
Previously she received the ‘Excellence in Action’ award for ‘Australian Women in Wine’, has been recognised in the Top 50 Stars of Wine in the Wine Business Magazine and more.
HELEN ROSE BROWN (YAMBA) – AM
For service to the Indigenous community of the Yamba region.
Mrs Helen Rose Brown is a member of the stolen generations and has been awarded a Member of the Order Medal of Australia for service to the Indigenous community of the Yamba region.
She is an Aboriginal Legal Service Director, a Committee Member for Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Service, a Director for AbCare NSW, a Voting Member of Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council and a non-voting member of La Perouse and Grafton Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
Mrs Brown’s most rewarding role was being an Aboriginal Carer and Kinship carer of 30 children.
She has been recognised as Senior Volunteer of the Year and Overall Volunteer of the Year for the NSW North Coast.
GREGORY JOHN LEWIS (BALLINA) – AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Greg Lewis has been a firefighter for 34 years and has played a significant role in leading service delivery and capability across Fire and Rescue NSW landing him an Australian Fire Service Medal.
He has led more than 350 staff through many intense emergencies and has worked overtime to ensure the Northern Rivers are safe and prepared for events including the 2022 floods along with the 2020 and 2021 bushfires.
Mr Lewis’ home was impacted by last year’s floods and he continued to focus on leading rescue and recovery missions for the local communities.
His dedication, passion and commitment to making sure fire stations, firefighters and administration staff were ready to tackle minor and major emergencies.
JACQUELYN MARY TAFFS (WOOLI) – EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL
Mrs Jacquelyn Mary Taffs received an Emergency Services Medal for her volunteer work at the Marine Rescue Wooli unit for more than 20 years.
The unit watches over the Wooli River, its dangerous bar and exposed offshore waters.
As a senior Marine Rescue Radio and Watch Officer, Mrs Taffs is the first one alerted by boaters in need of rescuing or assistance.
During her time volunteering she has played a key role in operations including responding to many life-threatening emergencies.
Mrs Taffs is a valued mentor and advocate for her colleagues and has provided leadership and support to built stronger female volunteer representation in the organisation.
STUART ROY CAMPBELL (ALSTONVILLE) – PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Stuart Campbell has been the District Works Manager in the Far North Coast district for Transport for NSW since 2002 and has received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in co-ordinating the disaster response and recovery effort following the Northern Rivers floods.
He manages 100 staff to deliver road construction and maintenance works across the region.
During the Northern River floods last year his team co-ordinated staff and resources to respond to flood disaster requests which included the rescue of community members stranded on roofs.
As well as supporting trapped motorists needing food and water, monitoring and responding to changing road conditions and maintaining road access on the Pacific Motorway.
Mr Campbell also managed closures on the motorway by reopening other routes, clearing flood water from roads, clean-up and repair of road networks and helping the Council following the natural disaster.
STEPHANYE ANN HOLDEN – AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL
Stephanye Ann Holden has received an Australian Fire Service Medal for her support in the fire service industry.
She is a volunteer member of the Ashby Brigade and the Clarence Valley Catering Brigade significantly benefiting the Rural Fire Service NSW, the Clarence Valley District and her local community.
Mrs Holden does more volunteering work for the community including palliative care work with cancer patients and at the local women’s shed.
She is known for her caring nature and commitment towards the firefighters along with taking challenges in her stride.
CANBERRA
DR MARIANNE HORAK – OAM
Esteemed scientist Dr Marianne Horak has been recognised for her distinguished service in the field of entomology, taxonomic and phylogenetic research as well as for her philanthropic endeavours.
Dr Horak, driven by curiosity and a love of nature, carved out a career studying insects, compiling detailed and collaborative research into a unique species of moths.
DR CAROLINE HUGHES – OAM
Ngunnawal elder Caroline Hughes has worked tirelessly in the ACT to help its indigenous community through her emphasis on education and its transformative power.
The indigenous advocate’s efforts to reduce the impact of child protection practices on First Nations families has been remarkable by implementing early learning programs for babies and children whose parents are studying nearby.
DR FERGUS GARDINER (FLYNN) – OAM
For almost a century, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia has ensured patients in the Australian outback can access emergency medical care, with Dr Fergus Gardiner’s being part of this monster effort to assist others.
Dr Gardiner plays a key role in delivering health services across the country, driven simply by his desire to help the community.
BELINDA MOSS (DEAKIN) – OAM
Education pioneer Belinda Moss and her drive to ensure academic excellence has led to her being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia.
In her roles as chairs and directors on several Anglican school boards, Ms Moss’ strives to ensure schools exceed expectations of students, parents, staff and the community.
ROSEMARY THERESE HUXTABLE (AINSLIE) – OAM
Rosemary Huxtable’s dedication to public administration has led to her being gifted a King’s Birthday honour.
Ms Huxtable’s leadership roles in the areas of health and finance to strategic policy reform has been crucial for the Australian Government, where she was awarded a public service medal in 2005.
DR DAVID CHARLES HUGHES – OAM
Dr David Hughes has been recognised for his undying efforts in the sports medicine arena where he has worked as an administrator and elite athlete physician.
Dr Hughes has held notable positions in several national sporting associations including as the chief medical officer for the Australian Institute of Sport, the medical commission chair for the Australian Olympic Committee and the president of the Australiasian College of Sports and Exercise Physicians.
DR JOHN THOMAS KIRK (O’CONNOR) – OAM
Clonakilla Winery founder and owner Dr John Kirk has been recognised for his service to oenology and professional associations in the nation’s capital.
Dr Kirk’s work as a research scientist at the CSIRO for nearly three decades was invaluable to the field. He also co-founded the Canberra District Vignerons Association.
JILL MCINTOSH (CHARNWOOD) – OAM
International and national netball icon Jill McIntosh and her service to the sport has earned her recognition on this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.
Her coaching roles in the last several decades here and abroad have been inspiring, including being on the board for World Netball and head coach of Australia and Singapore’s national teams.
MARGERY ANNE NICOLL – OAM
Legal eagle Margery Nicoll and her work in the ACTs law industry has not gone unrecognised for this year’s King’s Birthday awards.
Ms Nicoll’s roles on the Law Council of Australia and International Bar Association are just some of her notable accolades in her decades long career.
PETER JAMES STRONG (TURNER) – OAM
Business guru Peter Strong has been an integral part of the ACT’s commerce community.
Mr Strong held the role of chief executive for the Council of Small Business Australia for more than a decade as well as holding board roles across dozens of finance and economic organisations.
GILLIAN BAILEY-GRAHAM (FORREST) – OAM
Professional violin player Gillian Bailey-Graham and her work in the performing arts and music has not gone unnoticed.
The musical whiz, conductor and performer’s accolades include being the founder, former president and current member of the Australian Strings Association, as well as being a performer in the Canberra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
EBENEZER BANFUL (CURTIN) – OAM
Ebenezer Banful’s devotion and service to the African Community in the nation’s capital as well as his tireless efforts in the health sector is the reason he is being recognised for a King’s Birthday honour.
He is a founding member of the African Australian Council ACT, a former president of the African Australian Association among other accolades and has worked on multiple health boards in the last two decades.
CATHERIN MARGARET BOHM – OAM
Catherine Bohm’s service to the community through the Anglican Church and its fundraising has helped the unfortunate immensely.
Through St Paul’s Anglican Church Manuka, Ms Bohm raised thousands of dollars through several fundraisers since 2010 while being a parishioner at the church and an op shop volunteer.
LESLEY MARTIN BOHM (RED HILL) – OAM
St Paul’s Anglican Church Manuka parishioner Lesley Bohm has also been recognised for his unending commitment to help better the lives of those less fortunate.
Mr Bohm has held several roles with the south Canberra church including being its inaugural chair, parish council member and volunteer as well as giving his time to help with overseas aid and disaster recovery while in the ACT.
BARRY LEONARD CAMPTON (DEAKIN) – OAM
Defence force veteran Barry Campton and his work with other former army serviceman has earned him the medal of the Order of Australia this year.
Mr Campton’s work with Legacy Canberra since 2005 and his range of service medals including the Australian Active Service medal are among his achievements in defence.
ROBERT PETER CLYNES (YARRALUMLA) – OAM
Local legal eagle Robert Clynes will be part of the King’s Birthday honour celebrations this year following his distinguished career in the law industry.
Mr Clynes was president and a council member of the ACT Law Society in the 1990s as well as being part of the ACT Bar Association. He also practised as a solicitor and barrister after his admission in 1975.
JOHN JOSEPH CROTTY – OAM
Taxation reform star John Crotty is known globally as an economics guru through his years with the Australian Taxation Office and the International Monetary Fund in America.
His other notable achievements include working with the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations in Hungary while being a fellow at the Australian Society of Accountants.
DR SUNITA SIDDHU DHINDSA – OAM
Dr Sunita Dhindsa’s service to the Indian community has been commended by the Australian Government.
Her work in the Council of Indian Federations of Australia as well as the Federation of Indian Associations of ACT has been recognised, as well as her work in domestic and family violence prevention.
JAISHRI PATRICIA FALCETTA – OAM
Social welfare, keynote speaker and presenter Jaishri Patricia Falcetta has dedicated years of her life to helping the ACT community.
She has held multiple roles with community groups from schools to NDIS organisations and steering committees, and has spoken in Australia and abroad at conferences on women’s and health issues.
PENELOPE JANE GRIST (CURTIN) – OAM
History and arts tragic Penelope Grist has dedicated years of her life to the cultural side of the ACT, leading her to be recognised with an OAM.
She has worked with the Fire Brigade Historical Society of the ACT, National Portrait Gallery of Australia and the Australian Museums and Galleries Association.
MAINUL HAQUE (NICHOLLS) – OAM
Advocate Mainul Nicholls has been pioneering for multicultural affairs and issues in the Canberra community for decades.
He has been an integral part of the Canberra Muslim Community, where he was involved in establishing the Gungahlin Mosque.
He was also on the broads for the ACT Council of Social Service, the ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and a former member of the Canberra Interfaith Forum.
ELIZABETH HARRISON HARDING (MAWSON) – OAM
Elizabeth Harding’s dedication the helping the youth of the ACT has earned her an OAM.
Ms Harding has worked in several youth organisations including the Girls’ Brigade Australia, ACT Girls Brigade while working with the Hughes Baptist Church and fundraising for SIDS for KIDS.
DR STEPHEN JAMES JAMIESON – OAM
Dr Stephen Jamieson has helped the Canberra community in a number of roles in medicine for decades.
He worked as a general practitioner for 28 years, a co-ordinator at the Free HIV Clinic in the 1990s while working as a bariatric physician and IV sedation services.
BARRINGTON FREDERICK JARMAN (GORDON) – OAM
Australian and Japanese relations improved immensely in the ACT with the help of Barrington Jarman.
Mr Jarman’s work with the Australia Japan Society since the 1980s where he has been president and a committee member is inspiring, leading him to be awarded the Japanese Ambassador’s Award among other achievements.
DAVID BRUCE KERR (STIRLING) – OAM
Conservationist David Kerr and his love for nature has been invaluable to the capital territory.
Mr Kerr has worked in ACT Parks and Conservation Service since the 1970s, overseeing various breeding programs, while also working with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The former ranger said he was honoured to receive the award which was “completely unexpected”.
The 89-year-old said his love for the outdoors and his disdain for office work were the reasons he served many years as a conversationalist in NSW and the ACT.
He said he didn’t feel “restricted” in those years in the open air, except for when he was shot at for simply trying to herd cattle from park land many years ago.
BEVERLEY LEAHY (LYONS) – OAM
Horticultural icon Beverley Leahy will be part of the King’s Birthday awards this year through her service to the Canberra community.
Over the years Ms Leahy has been worked tirelessly with the Horticultural Society of Canberra, churches in Manuka and Lyons and the Canberra Probus Club.
GEOFFREY LEWIS MOORE – OAM
Athletics crusader Geoffrey Moore has been synonymous with the sport since the 1980s.
Mr Moore is known in Canberra for his work with the ACT Masters Athletics Club, the ACT Cross Country Club and the Speedy Geese Running Club.
The running dynamo said it was special to be awarded such an honour for the first King’s Birthday awards following the passing of the queen.
Mr Moore said he has been running for 60 years, with his most notable achievement besides the OAM being his victory at the Canberra Marathon in 1979, setting a record time.
He said the award was all thanks to those who run in the Speedy Geese Club, and has dedicated the honour to them.
HEIDI JOY PROWSE (HIGGINS) – OAM
Heidi Prowse has been a strong advocate for community health in the territory, working with mental illness support and cystic fibrosis organisations as a board member and executive.
Ms Prowse also dedicated her time over the years with the South Canberra Netball Association and Camp Quality.
NISHI PURI (DENMAN PROSPECT) – OAM
Nishi Puri has been recognised as another pioneer for the Indian community in the ACT.
Ms Puri has worked with several organisations in Canberra which advocate for Indian issues and rights and was recently given a commendation for her efforts in 2021 at the ACT Multicultural Awards.
MUHAMMED SAHU KHAN (NORTH LYNEHAM) – OAM
Criminal law expert and former prosecutor Muhammed Sahu Khan’s efforts in the interfaith realm in Canberra have been recognised at this year’s King’s Birthday awards.
Mr Sahu Khan was a founding member of the Canberra Interfaith Forum and has been its chair since 2006, while also being on the board of Religions for Peace Australia and the former president of the Fiji Australia Association of Canberra.
MARGARET LARRAINE SHADFORTH NICHOLLS (DEAKIN) – OAM
Margaret Shadforth Nicholls and her service to women in the ACT has earned her an OAM for this year’s King's Birthday Awards.
Ms Shadforth Nicholls has worked tirelessly with the Women’s International Club Canberra and the Ionians Ladies Club while also offering her time with the National Arboretum as a volunteer.
ARUN VENKATESHA (GOWIE) – OAM
As another pioneer for the Indian community of Canberra, Arun Venkatesha has committed many years to helping several community groups.
Mr Venkatesha is involved with the Canberra India Council as its treasurer, is a life member of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Florey and is part of the Australia India Business Council, among other notable accolades.
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