Welcome to the first President's Column for 2015, and I trust you all managed to enjoy some time away from your desks over the Christmas New Year period to spend with family and friends.
This week, we celebrate the achievements of individuals from across the nation who were honoured in the Australia Day honours list. These individuals don't seek recognition, but give their time and energy to causes close to them, to make their communities a better place to live.
Each year when the Australia Day honours list is announced, there is always a strong representation of those who have provided service to their community via local government. The commitment of individuals in all of our communities, to local government, to local charities, community groups and more is incredible and helps foster and build strong communities.
I congratulate all those who were honoured in the Australia Day honours list, and thank them for their tireless efforts.
Among them, former ALGA Board member Kym McHugh, who stepped down from the board in November last year.
Those honoured by being made a Member in the Order of Australia (AM) were:
- The Hon. John Beswick, Deviot, TAS
- For significant service to the Parliament of Tasmania, to social welfare and primary industries, to local government, and to the community.
- Geoffrey Gordon Butler, St Helens, TAS
- For significant service to the community of Tasmania through health and aged care, sporting, business, local government and tourism bodies.
- Major Noel James Denton RFD ED (Retd), Mount Waverly, VIC
- For significant service to the visual and performing arts, and through a range of local government, environmental and community groups.
- Howard Keith Fisher, Lithgow, NSW
- For significant service to the community through the health insurance industry, to industrial relations, and to local government.
- The Hon. Craig Knowles, Bowral, NSW
- For significant service to local government, to the Parliament of NSW, and to the community through a range of health initiatives.
- The Hon. Neil Pope, Sorrento, VIC
- For significant service to the community of Victoria, particularly through local and state government roles, and to the administration of Norfolk Island.
The following were recognised as recipients of the Medal in the Order of Australia:
- Allan Robert Aughey, Clare SA
- For service to local government, and to the communities of the Clare and Gilbert Valleys
- David Roy Bentham, Jordan Springs, NSW
- For service to local government, to the community of the Hills Shire, and to business.
- Albert James Callcott, Charters Towers, QLD
- For service to the community of Charters Towers, and to local government.
- Michael John Cosgrove, Cooranga North, QLD
- For service to the community of Darling Downs, and to local government.
- Douglas John Eaton, Wyong, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of the Central Coast.
- Phillip Edward Greagen, Port Augusta, SA
- For service to local government, and to the community of Port Augusta.
- Michael John Greenwood PSM, Parkes, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Parkes.
- Bernard Alvin Gross, Drung via Horsham, VIC
- For service to local government, and to the community of Horsham.
- Keri Lawson Huxley, Paddington, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community.
- Annemarie Jones, Gollan, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Wellington.
- Audrey Dawn McArdle, Tingha, NSW
- For service to the community of Tingha, and to local government.
- Barry Kym McHugh, Mount Compass, SA
- For service to local government, and the community of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
- Richard John Niven, Orange, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Orange.
- Patrick Michael Scallan, Greenbushes, WA
- For service to local government, and to the community of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.
- Maurice James Sharkey, Barnadown, Vic
- For service to the community of Bendigo, and to local government.
- Peter William Skewes, Blackall, QLD
- For service to local government, and to the community of Blackall.
- Ian Edward Stromborg, Picnic Point, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Bankstown.
- Fergus Douglas Thomson, Belowra, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Eurobodalla Shire.
- Carmel Louise Torenius, Forcett, TAS
- For service to local government, and to the community of Sorrell.
- Mark Allen Troy, Bellingen, NSW
- For service to local government, and to the community of Bellingen.
Public Service Medals were received by:
- Raymond Paul Brownlee, Lugarno, NSW
- For outstanding public service in NSW through executive roles with a range of local councils, and to the introduction of water conservation practices.
- Rodney Glenn Towney, NSW
- For outstanding public service to education and employment opportunities for Indigenous youth in NSW, and through contributions to local government and community organisations.
- Raymond John Burton, North Ward, QLD
- For outstanding public service to local government, including to the Townsville City Council.
- Peter Neville Rule AM RFD, The Gap, QLD
- For outstanding public service to local and state government in Queensland.
The Australia Day Honours list can be read in full here.
Mayor Troy Pickard
ALGA President