Congratulations to the Illawarra's Australia Day honours recipients.
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When Bulli fireman Clayton Allison set off for Japan after the 2011 tsunami emergency, he thought he would be rescuing people. But it took two days to reach the devastated shores. And the tsunami had been abysmal in its destruction. After a 33-year career, the veteran firefighter will be named one of three recipients of the prestigious Australian Fire Service Medal. Read more here
Illawarra nutrition expert Professor Linda Tapsell was named as a Member of the Order of Australia in this year's Australia Day celebrations. Prof Tapsell received the award for her "significant service to health science as an academic and clinician specialising in diet and nutrition". Read more here
A Balgownie navy commander who helped extract more than half a tonne of heroin from Middle Eastern drug-smuggling vessels as part of Operation Slipper says morale aboard HMAS Melbourne soared following the seizures, and after a decision was made to explode, rather than bring to shore, two boats being run by pirates. Read more here
Garry May doesn't think twice about his volunteer work, he just does it. The 57-year-old, from Woonona, says lending a hand requires little effort and he has an extensive community service list to prove it. Mr May was caught off guard himself when he discovered he would receive an Order of Australia Medal for his service to youth and the community. Read more here
Hugh Mackay's Order of Australia recognises his tireless contributions to social research, which is befitting for a man who plans to spend half the public holiday working in his Sydney office. The Exeter-based social researcher, academic and novelist was thrilled to receive the third highest honour in the Order of Australia. Read more here
Even at age 70, Melven Brown still manages to grab his fishing rod and his scuba gear and spend some much-needed time getting up close and personal with the ocean floor. On Australia Day, Mr Brown received an AM for his service to recreational and sports fishing and scuba diving, recognising his involvement in a range of organisations and advisory bodies. Read more here
It was a stroke of luck that started Barrack Point's Harry Gooden on his way to the Order of Australia Medal he is receiving as part of this year's Australia Day Honours. The 83-year-old is being recognised for his services to the road transport industry, as well as his extensive volunteer work. Read more here
Shell Cove's Robert Carroll could hardly believe it when he found out he had been nominated to receive an Order of Australia Medal. The 69-year-old has been recognised as part of this year's Australia Day Honours for his efforts in the military and his career in the justice system, particularly his work with juvenile offenders. Read more here
William Murray grew up on a dry and dusty farm in Young, where he and his five brothers and sisters would work during the school holidays. The family didn't have much and would sometimes spend days living on bread and fat when they ran out of other supplies. It was a humbling experience that would shape the young Mr Murray's attitude towards people who needed help. Read more here
She was one voice who made Australians sit up and listen. Rosie Batty, the Victorian mother whose courage shone a light on domestic violence victims, is Australian of the Year. Read more here