REVEALED: Toowoomba residents on this year’s honours list

Here are all the Toowoomba residents who have received an award in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

It's a proud day for the Toowoomba region with many residents receiving awards for their selfless contributions and dedicated commitments.

IT’S a proud day for the Toowoomba region with many residents receiving awards for their selfless contributions and dedicated commitments.

The Governor-General has recognised 1190 Australians on this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List – eight of which reside in the Toowoomba region.

Rhonda Joyce Weston from Middle Ridge was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Ms Weston received the well-deserved title for her significant service to aged persons’ education and the community.

“It’s such a huge honour to win this prestigious award,” Ms Weston said.

“I’m the president of the University of the Third Age (U3A) Toowoomba and have been now for 11 years.”

Providing retirees throughout the Toowoomba region with an opportunity for lifelong learning, Ms Weston said the Toowoomba group currently has 2000 members.

“This is particularly important for our generation because when we were growing up university education wasn’t available to just anybody … most people left school at 15 or 16 and went straight to work,” she said.

“We are a not-for-profit community group that runs on the hard work of its volunteers.”

Offering a variety of classes for participants to enjoy from technology and Australian history to tai chi and tennis, U3A provides physical, mental and social benefits.

In addition to Ms Weston’s U3A role, she also volunteers at the Empire Theatre, Wellcamp Airport and the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.

The Governor-General David Hurley congratulated the award recipients and thanked them for their huge contributions.

“On behalf of all Australians, congratulations to all recipients … each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated,” the Governor-General said.

“Collectively they speak to who we are as a nation – there are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication … there is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.”

And with 44% of award recipients being female this year, the Governor-General said he is pleased to see the list includes the highest percentage of women to date.

“It is important that the Order of Australia represents the diversity and strength of Australia – for this to happen we need to ensure outstanding women, members of our multicultural community and First Nations people are nominated by their peers in the community,” he said.

“I am prioritising increasing awareness of and engagement with the Order of Australia amongst groups that have been historically under-represented … we are seeing positive progress and I am determined that it continues.”

The Governor-General said he encourages all Australians to consider nominating someone outstanding in their communities.

“To the individuals being recognised today, many of whom Linda and I look forward to meeting over the coming year, thank you for your service and congratulations on being recognised by your peers and your nation,” he said.

“The great strength of our system is that it is ‘bottom-up’ – everyone recognised through the Order of Australia has been nominated by someone else, considered through an independent process and today celebrated by our nation.”

Of the 1190 Australians, 947 are recipients of the General Division of the Order of Australia and 33 received awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia.

A total of 139 meritorious awards were distributed as well as 71 gallantry, distinguished and conspicuous awards while 63 people were recognised for their contribution in supporting the nation’s response to Covid-19.

These awards will also be included in an ongoing and permanent Covid-19 honour roll.

Rhonda Joyce Weston - AM
Ms Weston’s key contributions include:
University of the Third Age (U3A)
• Since 2011: President and newsletter editor U3A Toowoomba.
• Since 2009: Management committee member.
• Since 2019: Governing Board Member – International Association of University of the Third Age.
• 2011-2015: President – U3A Network Queensland.
• 2014-2015: President – U3A Alliance, Australia.
• 2015-2018: Chairman – U3A Asia Pacific Alliance.
Toowoomba Community
• Since 2018: Member – Volunteer Ambassador Program – Wellcamp Airport.
• 2004-2007: Volunteer usher – Empire Theatre.
• Since 2008: Volunteer – Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.
Rose Societies
• Since 2008: Assistant secretary – Darling Downs Rose Society.
• Current: Member – Toowoomba Heritage Rose Society.
Hunter Valley Community
• 2000-2004: Secretary – Muswellbrook branch – Australian Red Cross.
• 1990s: Commissioner – Hunter Valley Region – Girl Guides New South Wales.
• Former volunteer with a range of community organisations including Meals On Wheels and the Red Cross.
• Former elder – Muswellbrook Uniting Church.
Awards
• 2019: Toowoomba Citizen of the Year (joint).
• 2019: Toowoomba District Citizens of the Year (joint).

Rhonda Weston is named as one local award recipient for Queen Birthday's Honours list. She received the award for "significant service to aged persons' education and to the community of Toowoomba.". Thursday, June 10, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Annette Scott - PSM

A TOOWOOMBA local has been awarded a public service medal (PSM) for their active role in responding to Covid-19 among other achievements.

Annette Scott from Toowoomba received the PSM for outstanding public service to community health in Queensland.

Throughout her career of 38 years, Ms Scott has managed and delivered a variety of healthcare services.

Serving as the executive director of Allied Health Darling Downs since 2013, Ms Scott is also the state representative for the peak clinical advisory body – the Queensland Clinical Senate.

The award recipient played a vital role in the implementation of the University Department of Rural Health which was established in Southern Queensland.

In addition Ms Scott has been commended for her active role in responding to outbreaks of Covid-19 within the local community.

Ms Scott is currently leading the regional task force for the delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations

Annette Scott from DDHS.

Carol Ann Paterson

Carol Ann Paterson from Texas received an OAM for service to horse sports.
Key contributions include:

Pony Club Australia (PCA)

• 2015-2018: Chair.
• 2013-2018: Director.
• 2000-2015: Queensland Pony Club representative.
• 1990-2000: Queensland Coaching representative.

Pony Club Association Queensland (PCAQ)

• 1992-2007: Vice-president.
• Since 1988: Member – state chief instructor panel.
• Since 1980s: Accredited dressage judge.
• Since 1990s: Team manager and team coach – Queensland and Australian representative teams, nationally and internationally.
• Former zone chief instructor – zone 21.
• 2000s – Chair – organising committees for the state dressage, combined training and horse trial championships.
• 1990s: Queensland national coaching accreditation scheme director.
• 2006: Life member – zone 21.

Texas Pony Club

• Chief instructor.
• 1971 – Founding member.

Texas Show Society

• 1972-1980s: Secretary.
• Since 1990s: Co-ordinator, show jumping classes, annual show.

Equestrian – Other

• Since 1980s: Accredited dressage judge – Equestrian Australia.

Community

• Former supporter – Texas Kindergarten.
• Former Supporter – Texas Cottage Industries Craft Shop.
  

Carol Ann Paterson.

Peirce David Edwards

The late Peirce David Edwards from Middle Ridge received an OAM for service to the communities of Quilpie and South West Queensland.
Key contributions include:

Quilpie Shire Council

• 1997-2021: Mayor.
• 1969-1975 and 1990-2012: Councillor.

Local government

• One term: Former chair – southwest local government association.
• Former chairman – Bulloo Park user group.
• Former board member – Quilpie Hospital, South West Hospital and Health Service.
• Former member – South West Regional Economic Development board.
• Former Member – South West Regional road group.
• Former Member, Disaster Management Committee.
• Former Member – South West Natural Resource Management board.
• Fifteen years – Former Member – Wild Dog Barrier Fence Panel (formerly Dingo Barrier Fence Panel).

The Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG)

• 2009-2018: chairman.
• 2009-2015: Founding member.

Community

• Former President – Toompine Progress Association.
• Former Member – Quilpie Diggers Race Club.
• Former Member – Quilpie Polo Association.
• Former Member – The Quilpie All Horse Sports Association.
• Former Member – The Quilpie Club.

Peirce David Edwards.

Richard Kent Bligh

Richard Kent Bligh from Toowoomba received an OAM for service to the community of the Darling Downs.
Key contributions include:
Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland Toowoomba

• 1999-2017: vice-president.
  
• 2000-2019: executive committee member.
  
• 1999-2019: chair – grounds committee.
  
• Since 1995: general committee member.

Irrigation and Water Supply Commission

• 1968-1994: founding member – Condamine Plains Water board.

Order of Saint John of Jerusalem – Knights Hospitaller

• Since 2010: Marshal of the Order – Darling Downs branch.

Queens Birthday Honour list award recipient Richard Kent Bligh. Friday, June 11, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Betty Merle Denning

Betty Merle Denning from Pittsworth received an OAM for service to the community of Pittsworth.
Key contributions include:

Pittsworth Show Society

• Since 2015: patron.
  
• Since 1949: member.
  
• Since 1984: steward – horticultural section.
  
• 1986: life member.
  

Community Health

• Since 1989: volunteer – Beauaraba Living Auxiliary.
  
• 1978- mid 2010s: member – Ladies Auxiliary – Pittsworth Hospital.
  
• Former volunteer – Pittsworth Ambulance.
  
• Current: volunteer – Meals on Wheels.
  

Community Sport

• Current: involved with the Pittsworth Polocrosse Association.
  
• Ten years: volunteer – Kurrajong Pony Club.
  
• Former volunteer and caterer – Pittsworth Basketball Association.
  

Community

• Sixty years: member – Pittsworth sub-branch Ladies Auxiliary – Returned and Services League of Australia.
  
• Former tuckshop volunteer – Pittsworth State Primary School and Pittsworth High School.
  
• Former volunteer – local opportunity shop.
  
• Former member – Pittsworth Historical Society.
  
• Current: volunteer – local Uniting Church.
  

Awards

• 2015-2016: District Governor Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service to her community – Pittsworth Lions Club.
  
• 2002: Pittsworth Citizen of the Year.

Betty Merle Denning.

Ronald Keith Lindenberg

Ronald Keith Lindenberg from Toowoomba received an OAM for service to rugby league.

Key contributions include:
Toowoomba Valleys Junior Rugby League

• 1992-1993: president.
  
• Trophy named in honour.
  
• 1997: life membership.
  
• Coach for 29 years.
  
• Current: mentor.

Toowoomba Junior Rugby League

• Former member – judiciary panel.
  
• Former committee member – 20 years.
  
• Life member.

Ronald Lindenberg.

Noel Desmond Saal

Noel Desmond Saal from Top Camp received an OAM for service to the community of Southeast Queensland.

Key contributions include:

Lions District 201Q3

• 1992-1993: district governor
  
• 1972-1973: deputy district governor.
  
• 1991-1992 and 1999-2000: district secretary.
  
• 1996-1999: administration officer.

Lions District 201Q1

• 1969-1970: zone chairman.
  
• 1972-1973: deputy district governor.
  
• 1986-1989: district secretary.
  
• 1989-1991: re-districting chairman.
  
• 1980-1985: Lioness chairman.
  
• 1970-1972: Leo Clubs chairman.
  
• 1972-1973: deputy district governor.

Toowoomba West Lions Club

• 1983-1984 and 2006-2007: president.
  
• 1976-1978, 1984-1985, 1993-1994, 1995-1996, 2001-2002, 2003-2004 and 2007-2010: secretary.
  
• Past vice-president.
  
• 2009-2017: membership chairman.
  
• 1972: member.

Clifton Lions Club

• 1968-1969: president.
  
• 1967-1968: inaugural vice-president.
  
• 1971-1972: secretary.
  
• 1969-1970: membership chairman.
  
• 1967: charter member.

Awards:

• Melvin Jones Fellowship.
  
• Lions Clubs International life member.
  
• District Governor Excellence Award – Lions Club International.
  
• 100% District Governor Award.
  
• 2009-2010: Lion of the Year Award.
  
• District Governor Appreciation Award – Toowoomba West Lions Club.

Noel Desmond Saal.