Picture: SKYDIVE THE BEACH
Congratulations to the Illawarra's Medal of the Order of Australia recipients.
Primbee man recognised for health fight
Sex, drugs and disease have been at the forefront of Michael Fernandez's mind for more than 20 years. This Australia Day, the Primbee local will receive the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community through public health programs.
OAM award for Thirroul's man of action
When your community service spans more than 40 years and includes roles in the army and emergency services, it's hard to pick a single highlight. For Thirroul's Philip McNamara, being responsible for the Defence Force counter-terrorist support at the Sydney Olympics is one of them, as is a leading role at the SES.
Barrie's surf bible an Australian winner
It's known affectionately at Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club as "Barrie's bible". The hand-written book records all the officials, bronze medallions, awards, club presentations and beach, state and world records in the club's history, back to 1907. It has been a labour of love for Barrie Stanford, who has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division.
Brigade veteran still putting out fires 50
Gerringong resident Malcolm Weir admitted to being blown away when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. Mr Weir received the award for services to the community of Gerringong, and especially for his role with the Gerringong Rural Fire Service, where he was brigade captain for 25 years, from 1969 to 1994.
Caring for animals Artis' life passion
As a young man growing up on a farm in Latvia, Dr Artis Medenis could never have dreamed he would someday be bestowed one of Australia's greatest honours. The 92-year-old Gerringong man has today been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to veterinary science and the community.
Australia Day 2013: OAM recipients
Peter Woods, Dr Allan Beavis, David Tattersall and Warwick Hansen, Wendy Woodward and Reverend Harry Herbert.
Gong radio man receives city honour
Radio presenter Marty Haynes and transplant recipient Jessica Sparks have been recognised with Wollongong City Council Australia Day awards. Haynes, who hosts a breakfast show on i98FM, was named Wollongong's Citizen of the Year, honoured for his tireless fund-raising work.
Ita Buttrose named Australian of the Year
It's Ita. Former copy girl, journalist, famous lisper, editor-extraordinaire. The woman who, as editor of the Australian Women's Weekly, liked to catch the bus to work because bus trips were an excellent time to read and touch up nail polish.