Kerrie Beauglehall, Phillip Jones: Two Bass Coast residents now OAMs

A Bass Coast woman integral to one of Victoria’s key hospital auxiliaries, and a winemaker behind the best wine in the country have received top honours.

A Bass Coast woman integral in forming a diabetic unit auxiliary at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and a winemaker behind the best wine in the country have received top honours in the Australia Day Awards.

Kerrie Beauglehall and Phillip Sydney Jones received Order of Australia Medals for their outstanding contribution to the community.

Kerrie Beauglehall, of Inverloch, was recognised for her part in the Inverloch Diabetic Unit Auxiliary at the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

She founded the cause 22 years ago when her daughter Carla was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and remained an integral part of the organisation ever since as the president and treasurer.

Ms Beauglehall also received the Madge Tate Service Award in 2008.

Mr Jones, from Leongatha, was recognised for his work with Bass Phillip Wines.

He has been involved in various roles at the company including communications managing director beginning in the late 1980s to his current role as South Gippsland Wines managing director.

His other roles include chief winemaker, consultant, proprietor and engineer.

Mr Jones also helped the company achieve Australia’s top wine in 2013.