HONOURS LIST EXEMPLIFIES SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack has added his warm congratulations to Australians recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Mr McCormack said five recipients of the Companion (AC), General Division each exemplified the Australian ethos of service to others: Ms Frances Adamson, The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, Ms Barbara Baker, Emeritus Professor Kurt Lambeck AO and Mr David McAllister AM.

The Nationals’ Leader said he was delighted to see the long contribution to her community by Mrs Kay Hull AM recognised in the Officer (AO), General Division of the Honours List.

“Kay Hull, former federal Member for Riverina and now federal Chair of The Nationals, continues to put the best interests of her community first and foremost. Kay has delivered a permanent legacy for good to the Riverina and to Australia, and we thank her for her ongoing contribution,” Mr McCormack said.

Mrs Hull’s award recognises her distinguished service to rural and regional communities through health, skills development, and agricultural organisations.

Long-time advocate for people with Motor Neurone Disease and Australian Rules great Neale Daniher AM has also been recognised in the Officer (AO), General Division.

With long time links to the Riverina and the Ungarie community, Mr Daniher is recognised for distinguished service to people with Motor Neurone Disease and their families through advocacy, public education and fundraising activities.

Mr McCormack said the Queen’s Birthday Honours reflected the diversity of contribution made by Australians – from the arts to law, from church leadership to public service, from health to education.

Across the Riverina, Mr McCormack acknowledged others with past or present connections who have been honoured for their distinguished contribution to the region and beyond, including:

Officer (AO), General Division:

·         Mr Neale Francis Daniher AM, Vic; for distinguished service to people with Motor Neurone Disease and their families through advocacy, public education and fundraising initiatives

·         Mrs Kay Elizabeth Hull AM, Wagga Wagga; for distinguished service to rural and regional communities through health, skills development, and agricultural organisations.

Member (AM), General Division:

·         Associate Professor Faye Beverley McMillan, Coolamon; for significant service to Indigenous mental health, and to tertiary education

Medial (OAM), General Division:

·         Dr Louise Baker, Cowra; for service to rural and remote medicine

·         Mrs Barbara Mary Callaghan, Cowra; for service to music

·         Mrs Kaye Noelene Chapman, Orange; for service to the community of Cowra

·         Mrs Kerrie Ann Ford, Holbrook; for service to community history

·         Mrs Leanne Heywood, Peak Hill; for service to business through a range of organisations

·         Mr John William Melrose, Batlow; for service to the community of Batlow

Conspicuous Service Cross:

·         Brigadier Michael Edward Garraway AM CSC, ex-leader at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka; for outstanding achievement in the application of exceptional skills, judgement and dedication as the Commander of Joint Task Force 1110, Operation BUSH FIRES ASSIST 2019-2020 and as Commander of Joint Task Group 629.1, Operation COVID-19 ASSIST

Australian Fire Service Medal:

·         Mr Leslie Carr, Cootamundra

·         Mr Noel David Cullane OAM, Canowindra

Shane Manning