Katoomba: Christine Killinger awarded an Order of Australia Medal

Katoomba’s Christine Killinger says her lifetime of volunteering can be traced back to “the influence of my parents who instilled the ethos that one must be grateful and give back... in whatever capacity possible”.

Christine Killinger has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the community of the Blue Mountains.

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Katoomba’s Christine Killinger has led an amazing life.

Ms Killinger has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to the community of the Blue Mountains as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours to recognise the work she has done in our local community.

She said she was “overwhelmed” at being the recipient of an OAM.

“I am voraciously overwhelmed and delighted at being the recipient of such a prestigious award acknowledging my volunteering role which, to me, has and continues to be a pleasurable, positive, and purposeful pursuit,” she said.

“It was the influence of my parents who instilled the ethos that one must be grateful and give back to the community in whatever capacity possible.

“They both were role models in their tireless fundraising efforts for charity.

“I feel proud to be following in the footsteps of an Aunt (OAM), Cousin (AO), and brother (AM) who have all been recipients of Australian honours.”

Born in Sydney and raised in Toowoomba, Queensland, Ms Killinger worked as a nurse during her professional life.

She moved to Katoomba in 2000 after retiring and started a Bed and Breakfast called Edgelinks on Narrow Neck Rd, Katoomba.

She joined the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary in 2005.

“This enabled me to be involved with community/fundraising activities and, in so doing, contributed to make the world a better place by practical efforts,” she said.

“This was very meaningful and fulfilling.”

In addition, Ms Killinger has been a committee member of the Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community since 2004, assistant treasurer of the Slow Food Blue Mountains Committee since 2005, and board member of the Cancer Wellness Support Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley group since 2005.

Faulconbridge’s Marie Standen was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal for services to refugees and the community of the Blue Mountains.

“The philosophy and goals of the Cancer Wellness Support group attracted me as a former health professional,” she said.

“Being a member of the board enables me to have input into the organisational structure to reach goals and full potential, thus providing affordable therapies for cancer clients.”

If that wasn’t enough, Ms Killinger has also volunteered at the Katoomba Op Shop, been the Director and Secretary of the Blue Mountains Retirement Village, and a Trustee of the Blue Mountains Health Trust.

Faulconbridge woman Marie Evelyn Standen was also awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to refugees, and to the community of the Blue Mountains.