From a doctor performing incredible work to a humble basketball statistician keeping score, this contingent’s goal remains the same – to improve the communities in which they live in.

That is what makes our remote, rural and regional towns so special. Your neighbour could be undertaking life-changing work – but you’ll likely never hear them brag about it.

From the pristine Northern Rivers to the furthest reaches of the stunning South Coast, these are our local legends.

NORTHERN NSW

Julie Ellen Hermansen OAM, Woombah

Being “mind blown” over the “too long neglected” condition of dyslexia in children, Ms Hermansen, who is also a loving mum of two, took to social media to try and make a difference.

“I couldn’t fathom that in a first-world country we had such high illiteracy – 44 per cent of adults are functionally illiterate,” she said.

Spearheading ongoing awareness campaigns like Light it Red for Dyslexia and My Red Letter, Ms Hermansen said the grassroots push grew into the establishment of national organisation Code Read in 2017.

“Because a lot of dyslexics are ashamed, we are trying to change the way people see it. We want people to understand that it’s not laziness and has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence. It’s purely just the wiring of the brain,” Ms Hermansen said.

Gregory Carl Hoving OAM, Myocum

Sailing the high seas in the Royal Australian Navy from 1965 to 1977 – including ten trips to Vietnam during its war – Mr Hoving has been honoured for his service to veterans.

After his service, he has spent more than two decades being heavily involved in veteran advocacy. So much so, that on his 77th birthday this week, he was selflessly chasing the Department of Veteran Affairs on behalf of his clients.

Mr Hoving also recently celebrated a win against the Department of Defence. He had been advocating for an ex-veteran, who had been “kicked out” of the army after being hastily deemed “unfit”.

But after three years advocating to have the former soldier’s army discharge status changed, the Department of Defence conceded – changing the status to medical discharge.

“I’ve been involved in various aspects to make veterans’ lives better,” Mr Hoving said.

“The real reward is volunteering and seeing that you’ve made life better for somebody.”

Mr Hoving has been a member of the Mullumbimby RSL Sub Branch for more than 50 years, previously spending time as RSL treasurer and RSL council president.

“I guess, really, the honour is actually in doing the work and serving veterans,” Mr Hoving said.

The mentor said veterans had a tough time obtaining benefits and recognition post-service.

“Joining the RSL you become very aware of that sort of thing, and you hear of other’s experiences.”

Roslyn Jane Knights OAM, Kyogle

When the Kyogle Food Pantry manager and disability pensioner got the call about being honoured for her service to the Kyogle community, she burst into tears.

“It took me by surprise,” Ms Knights said.

She said her initial reaction was to check it wasn’t a scam.

“I was a bit overwhelmed. It’s a privilege to serve the people and do what I do and for someone to take the time to see that I’m recognised … I didn’t think it would happen at the age of 67,” she said.

Moving to the Northern Rivers 12 years ago due to domestic violence, Ms Knights said her service was her way of giving back to the community that embraced her.

“We go through about four tonne of food a week. We buy it at a very reduced price from Food Bank and make enough to pay rent and electricity.”

The aim of the pantry is to have clients not worry about the cost of feeding their families.

“It’s the smile in their eyes, the positive words that come out of our mouths, it’s wonderful,” she said.

Garry James Reardon, Australian Fire Service Medal, Grafton

The fire captain, 66, has been a firefighter for more than three decades.

The grandfather reflected on his rewarding and unpredictable career, saying “you never know what the next call is going to be”.

“The worst thing I was involved in was the bush fire that swept through Rappville in 2019,” he said.

“Every second house was on fire, it was crazy. Something I hope I never have to see again.”

Mr Reardon remains passionate about rushing to people’s aid when they are in need.

“After nearly 35 years of service, I still get a spine tingle when I know I’ve actually helped somebody who is having possibly the worst day of their life,” he said.

Surrounded by a great team and a supportive wife, Mr Reardon spends his free time racing pushbikes.

“That’s where I get my sanity,” he said. “You need something to switch off because it can be full on sometimes.”

When Mr Reardon found out he had received the award he said he felt “humbled” and “privileged” to be part of the service.

“I was totally surprised and overwhelmed because I’m just an average Australian bloke just doing what I do in the service,” he said.

John Nicholson Buttrum, OAM, Lismore

A stalwart in Lismore’s cricketing community, Robyn Buttrum said her late husband wasn’t fussed with awards.

“He probably would have said, ‘look, this is what we do, we don’t need rewards’,” she said.

“My family, I think, would like me to accept this for the simple reason the grandchildren might appreciate it.

Far North Coast Cricket Council president John Buttrum. Photo Graham Broadhead / Ballina Shire Advocate

“Our generation grew up with volunteering and helping people.

The couple, both primary school teachers, were also active in the Northern NSW Lord’s, a charitable organisation that raises money to assist underprivileged and disadvantaged children.

“John was treasurer of that for years, ever since it started up here,” Ms Buttrum said.

“He played and coached kids cricket for many years.

“He was also the president of Far North Coast Cricket for 14 years and was a life member – he loved cricket. He was a batsman … and a really good one.

“I am really proud of him because he did such a lot.”

MID-NORTH COAST

Paul Rowlandson OAM, Port Macquarie

A career surveyor who simply does what he does for a job because he enjoys it said he was “surprised” to learn of his honour.

“I do what I do and I think it’s making a difference, but I didn’t really expect this sort of recognition,” Mr Rowlandson said.

“I’m humbled by it but certainly very happy to receive it.”

Mr Rowlandson said with advancements in technology, surveyors can forge successful rural-based careers and play significant roles in key development of amenities and infrastructure which can improve the lives of those living in regional communities.

Barbara Diane Smith OAM, Port Macquarie

A prominent Port Macquarie volunteer and businesswoman got a “beautiful surprise” when she learned she had been honoured for her services to business and to her community.

“When the government rang me I was quite excited at first because I had put in a submission for a local person in this area and thought it was about that,” Ms Smith said.

“They said no, this is about your award, and when they explained … Oh my gosh – it was a big surprise.”

Ms Smith said she followed in her parents’ footsteps who “always volunteered in the community”.

The business mentor said volunteering “gets in your blood” and she thrives from the “like-mindedness” of regular and new volunteers that “expand your life”.

“When you’re with people that want to help and they are really good people, there is a vibe and you like being around them.”

Patricia Nicholls OAM, Port Macquarie

Patricia Nicholls from Forster has been awarded an OAM for her services as a basketball statistician.

For almost 30 years she has recorded everything from missed shots, fouls, assists – you name it.

“It’s more than just recording the score,” Ms Nicholls said.

Her husband was a referee in Sydney so she decided to enrol in a two-day course.

“After the first day everyone said they wouldn’t be back so I felt sorry for the instructor and went back for the second day and the rest is history.”

She has volunteered her services for the NBL, at the Olympic Games in 2000 and travelled to exotic locations like Guam, Fiji and New Caledonia to train other statisticians.

Ms Nicholls recently retired to Forster after holidaying there as a girl and then taking her family there for holidays.

Roger Lynch OAM, Forster

Roger Lynch, formerly of Forster, passed away suddenly in April, 2021.

At the time he was the chairman of the Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association and had been a member for 26 years bringing his exceptional business acumen as an accountant to the role.

He attended Taree High, where he was a very accomplished athlete. At the age of 16 he had a serious car accident that left him a paraplegic for the rest of his life. He later developed a special stool to allow him to pursue his passion for golf.

He was inaugural treasurer and paymaster of Valley Industries, which is now one of the biggest private employers in the Manning Valley and Forster region.

HUNTER REGION

Samantha Jayne Connor AM, Thornton

Ms Connor is part of an amazing community of activists and disability advocates always working hard to ensure people with a disability are heard and seen.

“It is a slow movement where change doesn’t happen very quickly, so you’re always standing on the shoulders of other people,” she said.

“It’s a hectic busy working life because advocacy is just flat out, but a lot of it is connecting with people on a daily basis who are ordinary people and helping them with different disability systems and connecting them with people who can help.

“The more connections you have the more change you can have.”

The former UN delegate for People with Disability Australia has herself understood the struggles a disabled person faces every day.

Diagnosed early with Muscular Dystrophy, in a wheelchair at 40, Ms Connor also battles with ADHD and autism but with her infectious personality has turned it into a positive.

“Autism is beneficial to me because it gives me a systems brain and I’m able to look at big policy issues and work out what problems are and the solutions,” she explained.

“ADHD gives me that enthusiasm, to learn about people and people’s stories.

“Had the privilege of being someone who was perceived as an abled body person and somebody who was looked at quite differently because I use a wheelchair.

“Had the great privilege of having a very diverse life.”

As a current board liaison officer and consultant at People with Disability Australia, Ms Connor has dedicated a big part of her life to the organisation and taken on many roles for more than four decades.

“I got involved with People with a Disability Australia in the 80s, 2014 and 2015 was a turbulent time and I was asked to join the board in 2020 when the pandemic hit,” she added.

“I did a lot of work as president, did a regular panel position on the Drum and QandA, and that was really helpful in getting things done.

“We had a disability royal commission and lots has happened since then.”

But her passion has also extended to a newly founded human rights organisation, Free and Equal Australia.

“Hoping to really promote the idea that disabled people need to have a fair go and have the same opportunities as other people so we can contribute the same as other Australian citizens and be part of the community,” she said.

“We’ve put in some submissions already to different inquiries.”

Lyndall Ryan AM, Newcastle

The late University of Newcastle Emeritus Professor is being recognised for her distinguished service to tertiary education, particularly in Indigenous history and colonial settlement through research and publications.

She was an investigator for time-layered cultural map of Australia with the Australian Research Council and former Conjoint Professor for the Centre for the Study of Violence at UoN.

Ian George Marler AM, Maryland

Mr Marler has been recognised for his service to surveying and the community. He has been part of a number of organisations including Association of Consulting Surveyors Australia, Consulting Surveyors NSW and the Australian Institute of Conveyancers National.

He is the founding member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW Division and co-owner and founder of Conveyancing Services Newcastle since 1986. He is also past chairman of Highfields Group Scouts.

Jill Christine Duncan OAM, Newcastle

Currently an Associate Professor for the School of Education and a university lead for Equity Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Newcastle, Ms Duncan has also been recognised for her service to people with a disability.

She is currently a non-executive director for Aussie Deaf Kids and deputy chair at Disability Council NSW.

Her awards are among the many including International Professional of the year Alexander Graham Bell Association for the deaf and hard of hearing and excellence award for equity, diversity and Inclusion at UoN.

Thomas John Gustard OAM, Eleebana

The former Royal Australian Navy member has been highly involved in rugby league as a referee. A former vice-president and deputy chairman of the NSW Country Rugby League Referees Association, Mr Gustard is also a former president and life member for the Newcastle Rugby League Referees Association. In that time he blew the whistle for 14 grand finals and a NSW vs. QLD match in 1973.

In 2008 he was awarded Referee, Newcastle Team of the Century for Newcastle Rugby League.

Gerard Joseph McMillan OAM, Singleton

The former GM of the Singleton Diggers and life member of the RSL and Services Clubs Association has spent many years working on Singleton Council. The former Rotary International member and President of the Singleton Tourism Association has also had a number of roles with the Catholic Church and was an inductee in the Wambo Coal Singleton Hall of Fame in 2020.

Lauren Parker OAM, Newcastle

The professional athlete who lives in Newcastle is a gold and silver medallist for the Australian Paralympic team.

She recently competed in Paris, winning gold in triathlon and road race. She also competed at the Australian Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2020 and earned a bronze and for the past couple of years has competed heavily in world championships as a multi time gold medallist in triathlon, time-trial and road race.

Carol Ann Peterson OAM, East Maitland

Ms Peterson has been recognised for service to youth, particularly through the Girl Guides. She has held many position within the organisation including board member, leader mentor, treasurer, district manager and unit leader. Her latest award from Girl Guides Australia was the Emu award in 2019 and the Asia Pacific award in 2018.

John Duncan Hedley, AFSM

Awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) for his distinguished service as a member of the Australian Fire service. After joining the Bulga Brigade in 1974 he was elected as a Hunter Valley District Group captain in 2001 which he continues to hold. Mr Hedley has been involved in a variety of emergency events throughout the region from bush, grass and structural fires to motor vehicle accidents and also conducts training and helps with brigade management.

He has been instrumental in creating bushfire awareness through the NSW RFS cadets program and is admired for his calm, confident and respectful manner.

Darren Wayne Kearney, ACM

Awarded the Australian Corrections Medal (ACM), Mr Kearney has operated at several levels for Corrective Services NSW over the past 34 years. He began his career in 1990 at Parklea Prison before being transferred to Maitland jail in 1992. When it closed he transferred to the then Maitland Transport unit and has remained with the Court Escort Security Unit.

Christine Speer, ESM, Hillsborough

Ms Speer has been recognised for her distinguished service as a member of the Australian Emergency Service. She has been with the service since the early 80s and held a range of frontline roles including operations officers and deputy unit commander. She is now a Local Commander at the Lake Macquarie Cluster (LMC).

She’s been involved in many campaigns assisting the community of Lake Macquarie as well as in disasters across NSW and during the 2019/2020 fires was a NSW SES liaison officer. She now focuses on recruitment and retaining volunteers.

CENTRAL COAST

Matthew Formston OAM, Wamberal

World champion para-cyclist and adaptive surfer Matthew Formston is one of the many Central Coast residents who have been recognised on Australia Day for their outstanding contributions to society.

Mr Formston, who resides in Wamberal, has been recognised as a member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to people with disability and to para sports.

He has represented Australia at the Paralympic Games and won numerous surfing and cycling accolades throughout his career and said he was humbled to be awarded an AM.

Mr Formston lost 90 per cent of his vision when he was five years old after being diagnosed with macular dystrophy.

“I grew up surfing and living on the coast of Australia where everyone surfs,” Mr Formston said.

“It was a place where I could be free as a blind person … you can go as fast and as crazy as you like and it’s just freedom”.

Now working as a motivational speaker and executive coach, he has been giving back to the community by running clinics for blind and visually impaired children, teaching them to embrace the freedom of the ocean using sound, touch, and other senses.

A global media sensation, Matt’s recent achievements include winning a Guinness World Record for surfing a 55-foot wave in Nazare, Portugal, in 2022 and winning the 2023 Heavy Water Award at the Surfing Australia Awards.

As an ambassador for Vision Australia, Invictus Australia, and SurfAid, he dedicates his time to various boards, including Chair of Para Surfing Australia and the Executive Director on the Board of Blind Sports and Recreation.

“I just love it, I’ve always loved giving back and I suppose it’s a responsibility as a public figure to do the right thing and create a better world for the next generation,” Mr Formston said.

“I think leadership is a privilege and also a big responsibility to make sure that you’re steering the organisations that you work for in the right direction to help the members and their clients and customers.”

Alan Keith Gilmour OAM, Tumbi Umbi

Alan Gilmour has been recognised for his service to the arts.

Mr Gilmour, a presenter on the Central Coast, is best known in country music circles as a songwriter, performer and broadcaster.

Since 2016, Alan and his radio shows have been awarded six Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, two Indie Country Music Australia Awards and has a number of other accolades.

Karen Jean Douglas-Make OAM Avoca Beach

Dr Karen Jean Douglas-Make, of Avoca Beach, has been recognised for her service to medicine as a general practitioner.

A life member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Douglas-Make has owned the Terrigal and Avoca Beach Medical Centres since 1990 and has been at the forefront of GP services with the Central Coast Local Health District and a founding chairwoman of the Primary Health Network Hunter New England and Central Coast.

Dr Douglas-Make has also been a patrolling member and medical officer for Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club since 1999 and is now a life member.

Frank Leslie Davis OAM, Kincumber

A long serving member of Brisbane Water Legacy Club, Mr Davis has held almost every position at the organisation including, chairman, president, vice president and director of the board.

He was also the veteran’s committee representative for Brisbane Water Private Hospital.

Amanda Noffs OAM, MacMasters Beach

The daughter-in-law of the late Ted Noffs has been recognised for her services to youth health programs.

Amanda Noffs, of MacMasters Beach, has been the Ted Noffs Foundation board of directors secretary since 1992 and chief operating officer from 2006 to 2014.

Ms Noffs co-founded both the Program for Adolescent Life Management and the Treatment and Rehabilitation for Adolescent Chemical Abusers.

She also founded a free legal aid for young people in 2001 named ASK! Legal Service.

A former General Council, Mrs Noffs was a board member of Greenpeace Australia Pacific from 2011 to 2013.

Professor Julie Redfern OAM, Terrigal

The author of more than 250 scientific papers and four book chapters, Professor Julie Redfern, of Terrigal, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for significant service to cardiology, allied health, research and education, and to the community.

Prof Redfern has sat on the board and key committees of the World Heart Foundation, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance.

She has been at the forefront of cardiac tertiary education as a professor with Bond University, Sydney University and the George Institute for Global Health.

Prof Redfern has supervised more than 32 award-winning postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows and reviewed dozens of research papers from across the world.

A member of Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club since 2011, Prof Redfern has been its director of administration since 2022 and was named club person of the year in 2023.

Daniel van Keimpema ESM Bateau Bay

Central Coast Volunteer Rescue Association member since 2005, Daniel van Keimpema has been awarded an Emergency Services Medal.

Over the past 19 years, he has served with distinction in various frontline roles including training officer, deputy captain, and currently, captain.

In each of these roles, Mr van Keimpema, of Bateau Bay, has exhibited exceptional leadership and a deep dedication to enhancing the skills and preparedness of rescue professionals. His expertise in delivering rescue training and managing operations has been instrumental in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of rescue efforts across the region.

Jennifer Farrell ASM, Lisarow

Ms Farrell has been awarded with an Australian Fire Service Medal for her distinguished career as a member of the fire service, where she has served since 1973.

Ms Farrell has served as a planning officer for dozens of major fires and deployed locally, interstate and internationally in both incident management and firefighting capacities.

Acting as a mentor and trainer in various disciplines, she also has served as the chair of the Central Coast Bush Fire Management Committee for the past four years Ms Farrell’s capabilities have helped minimise the impact of bushfires on countless communities.

Ellen Davies ASM Green Point

Ms Davies has been awarded with an Ambulance Service Medal for her distinguished career as a member of Ambulance Australia, where she has served since 1987.

She has worked in a range of operational and frontline roles and locations including as a paramedic, an advanced life support paramedic, a station manager, an operations co-ordinator, a duty operations manager.

Ms Davies is currently the health relationship manager of the Central Coast North Sydney sector and maintains her ability to respond to emergencies as an advanced life support paramedic.

During her career, she has provided emergency care to thousands of patients and led large scale health projects to benefit the community of NSW.

SOUTH COAST

Patrick Colin Butt OAM, Batemans Bay

Patrick Colin Butt has lived in the Eurobodalla for years, and has been recognised for his service to the south coast region.

“I love the Eurobodalla,” he said.

“We used to come down here all the time as a tourist, but we bought a house 24 years ago and now we just cant leave.”

While Mr Butt does not know who nominated him, he believed it was due to his history of public service around the coastal region.

“In 1994 to 1995, when I lived in Canberra, I worked with my wife to rally Canberra and Batemans Bay to donate no-perishable food for people in the country who were feeling the effects of the severe drought in NSW and Southern QLD,” he said.

“We did this for two years until Farmhand took over on a larger national scale to help with collection and delivery of goods under the banner ‘Rural Drought Relief For Women and Children’.”

Mr Butt said, nomination aside, he was glad he did the work.

“This whole thing is such a surprise,” he said.

Phillip John Driscoll OAM, Wollongong

John Driscoll has lived his life following one major rule: follow your passion.

With more than 20 years working in the sporting industry, he has achieved just that.

“It was a hobby that turned into a passion,” he said.

Mr Driscoll started as a medical trainer for the Illawarra Hawks basketball team in the late 1990s, before moving into a training position with the NRL’s Illawarra Dragons.

“My family allowed me to follow this passion and I am incredibly thankful for that,” he said.

Mr Driscoll said he wasn’t sure who nominated him, but had a hunch it was an Illawarra Dragons team member.

“I think if it was them, that it’s shown that I’m clearly making a difference,” he said.

Mr Driscoll said he was honoured to have been recognised, but said he was “just doing his job”.

“I’m thankful, I really am and it’s just making me feel so loved,” he said.

Also awarded on the NSW South Coast and the Illawarra:

Colonel Graham Victor Ferguson, Batemans Bay: OAM in the General Division for service to veterans and their families.

Hong-Phong Le, Wollongong: OAM in the General Division for service to the Vietnamese community of Australia.

Nellie Beatrice Mooney, Burrill Lake: OAM in the General Division for service to the Indigenous community of the Shoalhaven region.

Huong Thuy Tran, Wollongong: Nominated or the medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for to the Vietnamese community of Australia.