Stanthorpe’s Andrew Kendall receives Order of Australia Medal for service to community

A Stanthorpe man, who has been principal at a local school since 2017, has received one of Australia’s greatest honours for his dedication to his community. Read his inspiring story here.

For the past five years, Andrew Kendall has been dedicated to his work as principal at St Joseph’s School in Stanthorpe, and in recognition of his service to the community has been honoured in this year’s Australia Day Awards.

Mr Kendall, who is also the vice president of Stanthorpe Carlton United Football Club, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia today as a part of the country’s Australia Day honours.

He is one of 736 Australians being recognised for who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement this year.

St Joseph's Dux of St Joseph's School, Ann Mary Vincent with Principal Andrew Kendall in 2018 (Photo: File)

Mr Kendall said he felt “extremely humbled but very happy” to be a recipient of the award.

“I found out I had been considered for the award in September, and it was a bit of a process to actually receive it, I only found out a few weeks ago,” Mr Kendall said.

“I moved to Stanthorpe five years ago as acting principal, and I’ve stayed ever since, it’s a lovely little community.”

A man of many talents, Mr Kendall has previously coached cricket, futsal and soccer and taught at St Laurence College in Brisbane for 20 years, but said Stanthorpe’s relaxed way of life was perfect for him and his family.

He also is a former Australian Army reservist and has been national president of the Australian Bravery Association, which recognised and supported members of the community and uniformed service people who acted courageously in dangerous scenarios, for seven years.

Mr Kendall said he got involved with the Australian Bravery Association following an attack on St Lawrence College in 2008, in which he and four teacher fought armed attackers that had entered the school.

St Joseph's principal Andrew Kendall (right) with students (Photo: file)

“Following the incident myself and the four other teachers received a group bravery citation award in 2011, and through that I got connected to the Bravery Association,” he said.

“At the time I was in a senior leadership position at a big school, nearly 2000 kids, was the president of the Bravery Association and an officer in the army reserves, it was like working three jobs at once, and with a young family too, it was a bit of a challenge.

“But it’s something I’ve always done, and having moved to Stanthorpe I’ve enjoyed a slightly quieter life, and I’ve got no desire to leave the community in a hurry.

“We’re really deep in the community, Stanthorpe is very much part of my life now, and I’m enjoying the challenges of leading a school, and I’m really honoured to receive this award.”

Originally published as Stanthorpe’s Andrew Kendall receives Order of Australia Medal for service to community