HONOUR ROLL: Local legends recognised at Government House
Former councillor, rugby referee and veteran among Fraser Coast residents to receive OAMs at a ceremony hosted by the Queensland Governor.
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Three local legends have received awards from the Governor of Queensland for their contribution to the Fraser Coast and beyond.
Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey AC awarded Medals of the Order of Australia on Friday to Julie Arthur, the late Paul Goener and Kenneth Higgins.
Mrs Arthur, former Fraser Coast deputy mayor and a councillor in both the post amalgamation regional council and former Maryborough City Council, was honoured for her service to local government and the community.
She was also recognised for her service in executive positions in the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Queensland Branch and in senior positions in community organisations in fields including sport, music and agriculture.
The late Mr Goener was posthumously awarded his medal for his service to rugby league as a referee, including as a member and senior office holder of the Queensland Rugby League Referees Association, Maryborough Rugby League Referees Association and Wide Bay and Burnett Referees Association.
He was further awarded for his service as an Honorary Associate Member for Life of the New South Wales Rugby League Referees Association and as the Fraser Coast Referee of the Century.
Mr Goener’s medal was received by David Goener on the day.
Mr Higgins was awarded his medal for his service to veterans and their families and as a member, life member, welfare officer and senior office holder of the Toogoom and District, Walkertson-Pleystowe, Rye, and Mackay Sub-Branches of RSL Australia.
He was also involved in co-ordinating the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Museum and Memorabilia exhibition, part of the Fraser Coast Military Trail.
All were awarded their medals during a service at Government House in Brisbane on Friday May 7.
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Originally published as HONOUR ROLL: Local legends recognised at Government House
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