Miss Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery author among trio honoured on Australia Day
Her historical detective novels have captivated readers for the best part of three decades, earning Kerry Greenwood a host of awards along the way. Now, the Seddon author can add Australia Day honours to her list.
North West
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Three Maribyrnong wonder women have been recognised for their amazing achievements to the community.
An author, social worker and community worker were among those to awarded a spot on the Australia Day honours list, announced today.
Footscray’s Jocelyn Bignold, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the community through social welfare organisations, said she was a bit conflicted when she heard the news.
“I didn’t know why I was getting singled out for an award when there’s nothing that I do by myself, I have a whole team and organisation,” she said.
“So many people are working their butts off for the community sector and should be recognised too.”
Ms Bignold has been the chief officer at McAuley Community Services for Women for the past 13 years.
The service offers a range of services for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
She is also the former chair of Western Integrated Family Violence Committee and a member of the Victorian Government’s Family Violence Housing Assistance Implementation Taskforce.
Ms Bignold said she was very passionate about putting an end to domestic violence.
“It’s just not right that Prep kids have to leave school three or four times a year to be safe, it’s not fair on women who can’t go about their business without living in fear and it’s not right for men either,” she said.
“It is preventable, we’ve got good solutions for it and that’s what drives me to get it done.”
Ms Bignold has spent nearly her whole life working in the community sector in the west, notably with the homeless.
“What’s really fulfilling to me is the work,” she said.
“We are making a difference but sometimes it feels like we’re trudging through mud at times.”
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RAFAELA LOPEZ, FOOTSCRAY
Ms Lopez received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Hispanic community of Victoria.
Ms Lopez is a co-ordinator at the Foundation for Older Spanish Speaking People.
She has worked closely with the Hispanic community for many years, including as a member of the Spanish Latin American Welfare Centre since 1970s.
She was previously the former president and secretary at the organisation.
KERRY GREENWOOD, SEDDON
Greenwood received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to literature as a writer.
The Seddon author has published 54 novels over her career including her 22 book series Miss Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery.
She is also well known for her Corinna Chapman Mystery series and Delphic Women series. She has received many awards for her work, including Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award for Crime Writing in 2004 and Davitt Award for Best Young Fiction Book in 2002.