The Australia Day 2021 Honours List has recognised Australians across a diverse range of contributions and services in fields including professional endeavours, community work, Australia's Defence Force and Emergency Services.
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Please meet, thank and congratulate the Illawarra's Australia Day 2021 Honours recipients:
Karen Murphy - Member of the Order of Australia
MICK Molloy did his part but, when it comes to blazing a trail on the green, no one can hold a candle to bowls legend Karen Murphy.
By the time Molloy's beloved Aussie classic Crackerjack came out, Murphy had already competed at two Commonwealth Games. She went on to three more, among a host of other honours, and says the bowls team always got a rockstar reception thanks to the cult film whenever the Games rolled around.
"Crackerjack the movie helped," Murphy said.
"Every time the Commonwealth Games come around, we had a cult following. When we played on the Gold Coast in 2018, heaps of people came to watch, it was the trendy sport to go and see. It was great."
Vicki Tiegs - Medal of the Order of Australia
The desire to lead and create change, has fueled the enormous work ethic of Wollongong's human whirlwind Vicki Tiegs.
As well as her day job as the co-founder and executive director of the Waples Marketing Group, Ms Tiegs has been a tireless advocate and worker for this region. That contribution has been recognised with an OAM for services to the Illawarra community.
"The thing for me is I like to see a difference being made and If there is something that needs changing I'm keen to help progress that," she said.
Dr Philip Glencoe Laird - Medal of the Order of Australia
It was during his time at the University of Wollongong that Dr Philip Glencoe Laird developed his passion for rail.
The Keiraville resident has since retired from UOW but he still gets excited talking about and taking a ride on the different rail networks around Australia.
NSW still has a way to go to catch up to Victoria and Western Australia according to Dr Laird, who has been recognised this Australia Day with an OAM for service to the rail freight and passenger transport industry.
Bob Armessen - Medal of the Order of Australia
Bob Armessen says he was initially uncertain about the prospect of being awarded an OAM.
"It was completely by surprise," he said. "A shock to the system, completely unexpected.
"Initially I was just too embarrassed to accept, but then I thought, 'no, that's a recognition for what our Rotary club has done'. Their support, and Rotary International's support has been so important.
Barbara Street - Order of Australia Medal
Barbara Street has given her time and energy to a multitude of charities and community organisations over the years, but she says she is simply lucky to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) this Australia Day.
Mrs Street said she was overwhelmed to find out about the honour, and described it as a privilege. "I'm just one of many, many people who do volunteering work," Mrs Street said.
The Albion Park Rail resident's volunteerism dates back decades and spans such organisations as the Red Cross, the Kiama Support Group for the Vision Impaired, the Tongarra Heritage Society, the Albion Park Show, and the local council, among others. She has done everything from knitting beanies, to calling vulnerable people in the community to make sure they are OK.
Tom and Joy Boyd - Order of Australia Medal
It was more than 70 years ago that Tom Boyd picked up a table tennis bat for the first time.
Little did he know, that moment would ignite a lifetime of dedication to the sport. His journey also led him to his wife Joy, who was also passionate about the game.
The Windang couple have now been both awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) this Australia for their service to table tennis.
Dr Michael Joseph McDonald - Medal of the Order of Australia
Dr Michael Joseph McDonald has long believed it's always a good thing to involve oneself in work outside paid work.
But the Gerroa resident was nonetheless "humbled" to be honoured with an OAM for services to the Catholic Church, and to the community.
"The work I've been involved in has always been assisted by many people I've worked with, so [the award] also recognises the work they've participated in as well," Dr McDonald said.
Terry Clout - Public Service Medal
A Figtree man recognised for his decades of work with NSW Health hopes his experiences will show young people that a career in the public service is valuable and worthwhile.
Among the honourees this Australia Day is Terry Clout, who receives the Public Service Medal.
"I'm very honoured," he said.
Julian O'Brien
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury and former editor of The Advocate (North-West Tasmania). Journalism is simply about telling good stories well and we do so now across a broader platform than ever before. Our role as a regional masthead is to not only share the stories our readers care about but to be a passionate torch bearers for community at every opportunity. We are stronger together.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury and former editor of The Advocate (North-West Tasmania). Journalism is simply about telling good stories well and we do so now across a broader platform than ever before. Our role as a regional masthead is to not only share the stories our readers care about but to be a passionate torch bearers for community at every opportunity. We are stronger together.
