The Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List recognises a diverse range of contributions and service across all fields, including professional endeavours, community work, Australia’s Defence Force and Emergency Services.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Congratulations to this year’s Illawarra recipients.
Former Kiama mayor Sandra McCarthy
Kiama’s longest-serving mayor Sandra McCarthy has been honoured with an OAM for service to local government, and to the community of Kiama.
Werri Beach resident Mrs McCarthy was Kiama mayor from 2000-2012, and also served as councillor and deputy mayor throughout 1995-2000.
She was also presented with a University Fellowship by UOW in 2017, and is president of the Australian Chapter of the Alliance for Healthy Cities. Read more here.
Digger and veterans' rights activist Barry Glover
Barry Glover went to war to serve his country but it’s his work fighting the nation’s bureaucracy that has caused him to be honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Born in Coledale, he joined the army in the 1960s and trained as an anti-aircraft gunner, serving in South Vietnam.
But with 42 years in the RSL, it’s fair to say Mr Glover, who left the army with the rank of Major, has spent more time fighting for veterans after they’ve returned home, than he spent fighting the North Vietnamese Army. Read more here.
Hospital auxiliary president Lynette Thompson
When Shellharbour Hospital opened in 1986, Lynette Thompson was straight there to offer her services.
More than three decades on, the Albion Park Rail resident’s dedication to the hospital auxiliary has seen her awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the community.
The great-grandmother, who was also Shellharbour’s Citizen of the Year in 2011, said she was overwhelmed by this latest recognition. Read more here.
Community champion Betty Chittick
Serving her community comes naturally to OAM recipient Betty Chittick.
Jamberoo resident Ms Chittick has been recognised for service to the community of Kiama.
“I was brought up to do things for the community and be community-minded,” she said.
Winifred Elizabeth Chittick, 87, was born in Kiama Hospital and has lived most of her life in Jamberoo. Read more here.
Scout leader David John Reiken
Like many parents David John Reiken supported his children with interests they loved to do when they were young.
When Christopher, Scott and Andrew started going to 1st Lalor Park Scout Group he got involved in Scouts first as a parent and then as a group president in the mid 80’s and group leader in his mid to late 30’s.
Mr Reiken remained involved when he moved to Wollongong to work with BHP Steel to take on a role as the finance manager for the Coated Products division in 1992. Read more here.
Emergency services hero Peter May
Peter May’s dedication to Marine Rescue NSW and the boating public has made him a valued member of the state’s emergency services.
He has therefore been recognised for his efforts with the Emergency Services Medal.
The Albion Park Rail resident has been actively involved with Marine Rescue NSW at Shellharbour, and its predecessor, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, for more than 24 years. Read more here.
Former Wollongong teacher Rex Cook
Rex Cook still keeps in touch with students he first taught when he started teaching at Grafton High School back in 1950.
The love and affection these students, many of whom are aged in their 70s and 80s, still have for her father, is one of the reasons Wendy Cook-Burrows nominated Mr Cook for an OAM.
She said the 92-year-old Mount Ousley man was “gobsmacked” when notified of his OAM for service to the community of Wollongong, and to education. Read more here.
Music education pioneer Michael Barkl
A pioneer of contemporary music education in the TAFE system says his Queen’s Birthday Honour is an “emblem of a much wider effort”.
Musician and composer Michael Barkl has performed in many ensembles with a number of roles in music education on his resume.
But his “greatest achievement” after joining TAFE Illawarra Institute in 1987, he said, was to establish a curriculum for music education in Vocational Education and Training. Read more here.
Services to history Don Godden
Kangaroo Valley’s Don Godden has been awarded an OAM for services to the community through history preservation organisations.
Mr Godden, a specialist industrial archaeologist, has been a long-time member of the Heritage Council of NSW and the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
A retired founding partner of GML Heritage, he is a renowned international expert in industrial heritage and conservation, with a specialist interest in Australian industrial sites.