Dear NSW Members, 

As we await the announcement of the next group of Order of Australia Awardees, we are conscious of the world’s needs for great leaders who make a positive difference to the communities they lead, internationally, nationally, locally, professionally, commercially, ethnically, militarily, and so on. 

One such person is the appointment of our Association’s new National President last month, The Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO. She was previously the Administrator of the Northern Territory until January this year. Vicki takes up her duties at our National Annual General Meeting in Geelong later this month. We look forward to her leadership through that important role. 

https://govhouse.nt.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2022/her-honour-the-honourable-vicki-ohalloran-ao,-appointed-a-commander-of-the-royal-victorian-order

The Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO CVO

This brings me to this month’s theme: there is no “I” in “team. This succinct reminder to all leaders as a team will never survive for long if the “I” person dominates autocratically in all key decision making and public profiling of an organisation.  

In my professional practice days as a Chartered Accountant, I commonly saw business failures being attributed to at least some of following characteristics: – 

• An absence of proper governance principles, especially with entrepreneurs who did not listen, seek, employ or otherwise obtain expert advice (one mind but no team approach)..
• A failure to think and/or act strategically, particularly with businesses pushing a single product or service line which became obsolete (one product with limited life but no successor product to continue profiting).
• Lack of a good organisational structure, suitable for their business and its research, marketing, production, financial administration and service (too often amateurs who are not business experienced nor team working). 

Sadly, I saw and still see these shortcomings in some charities and not-for-profit organisations who begin with a well-intentioned purpose, usually because of a community impacted or personal experience where they want to make a difference for others. 

We will always need ideas for a better future with a team who can assess what resources are needed to ensure successful realisation of those ideas, but always looking for new ideas. 

We should never stop dreaming and then enlist others to make the good ones happen. The “I” person can never really match the potential outcomes of a good team.  

Turning to more organisational Branch matters, regional luncheons are planned for Illawarra, Taree Manning Hastings-Macleay, Dubbo, and another for The Hunter. Successful gatherings have been held in The Hunter, Central West and Shoalhaven. Please visit the NSW Branch website to keep up with Branch and Regional news. 

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/regional-groups/

Functions are being planned for the Northern Beaches, New Awardees Welcome luncheon at Parliament House, and more, further into 2023, although the challenge is to find better priced, central venues. 

The Branch Committee members have been included in the Government House Investiture Ceremonies in late April and will finish tomorrow , 2^nd May. The Awardees continue to inspire us with their service for a better Australia and some even internationally. Please do not forget to nominate more Australians. 

Branch Committee members Martha Jabour OAM, Diane and David North (both OAMs) and I will be attending the 2023 National Conference in Geelong this month and registrations close on 3^rd May 2023. They are enlightening experiences, mixing with many inspiring people from across Australia. 

Lastly, please let Martha Jabour, ([email protected])

our Branch Secretary, know if you are interested in mentoring young leaders through the Young Australian Leaders organisation, https://www.youngaustralianleaders.org/

Jim Mein AM
NSW Branch Chairman

THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION NSW AGM 21 MARCH, 2023

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The New South Wales Annual General Meeting for 2023, was held at the Castlereagh Hotel, with over 80 members and guests participating in the annual general meeting and the luncheon afterwards.

At the AGM we were honoured to have two very special Guest Speakers namely Halis Khadija rishamsulkamal and Edward Hayek.  These two outstanding young leaders are also 2022 recipients of the NSW Branch Youth Community Service Award.

We were also honoured to have an amazing Australian media talent, Ms Jean Kittson AM, who entertained us about her family, career and community passions poignantly with great humour throughout.

The fundraising activity conducted by the NSW Branch during the AGM was directed towards the Raise Foundation and managed to raise $1100 for that cause.  Jean is an Ambassador for Raise.

The election during the AGM managed to recruit two new members to the NSW committee being Mr David North OAM and Mrs Dianne North OAM.

NSW Branch OAA Committee 2023 Jim Mein AM; Martha Jabour OAM; Trish Wetton OAM; John Gullotta AM; Louise Davis AM; Chris Dunne OAM; Gail Dunne OAM; David North OAM; Dianne North OAM; Frank Kelleher OAM; Geoffrey Glassock AM

Edward Hayek, Halis Khadija Rishamsulkamal; (Youth Community Service Awardees), Martha Jabour OAM; Jim Mein AM; John Gullotta AM and Frank Kelleher OAM

Claudia Ketch OAM; Jean Kitttson AM and Rebecca Hooke OAM

OAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, GEELONG VICTORIA, 18-21 MAY, BOOK NOW

Registrations close on Tuesday May 2.

Please click on this website link for the conference program and booking options https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/national-conference-2023/

​An interesting programme of events includes a Vice Regal ‘Welcome to Geelong’ reception, interesting and challenging presentations and the awarding of Foundation scholarships to worthy tertiary students at our Annual Dinner at Mt Duneed Estate.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association, and its accompanying members’ Forum, as well as reviewing results will give you the opportunity to ask questions and make your views known.

MEET OUR MEMBERS:

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/meet-our-members/

Wendy Borchers AM worked at the ABC from 1967 until her retirement in 2010. She says one of her proudest moments in her long television career was at Four Corners. She is co-author (with Tim Bowden) of the book “Aunty’s Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of ABC”, published in 2006, and is now ABC Alumni’s Rural & Regional Co-ordinator.

Wendy Borchers AM, Regional Convenor, OAA NSW Manning

 A film archivist and researcher from Tuncurry Wendy was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia Medal (AM) for her work preserving Indigenous heritage, through TV and radio.

Wendy Borchers mainly worked with the ABC in her 40-year career, including the early days of programs like ‘This Day Tonight’. 

But Ms Borchers said she takes greatest pride in her work researching and cataloguing ABC material for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.

NSW BRANCH NEWSLETTER FOR HASTING BRANCH

Click here to view newsletter.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

NSW BRANCH CHAIRMAN’S APRIL 2023 NEWSLETTER

It’s time for change has become an oft said statement in so many circles, whether it be due to changes in government, post Covid social isolation recovery, environmental challenges or adaptation to cost of living and other operational pressures. To me, it is reality for survival in an ever-changing world where you can no longer live in the past.

For the Association, and not just our branch and its regions, we must plan, for this is vitally essential for the long -term wellbeing for us all. That is currently being addressed as a significant and primary task for our national board, your NSW Branch Committee, and our regional committees and all their leaders.

The Board’s Strategy Committee of which I am a member until 28^th April 2023, is finalising a three years plan based on the following four goals:-

• Promotion of more Order of Australia Award nominations with greater age, gender and cultural diversity;
• Grow the value of membership of our Association;
• Build for the future of our Association; and
• Invest in community partnerships and projects to lift the profiles of the Awards and the Association

For our Branch , we have another significant goal which is to organise the Association’s 2025 National Conference which will be held in New South Wales between 1^st and 4^th May. Branch Deputy Chairman John Gullotta AM and Branch Secretary Martha Jabour OAM are spearheading the creation of its Organising Committee, and  identifying the conference location and  crafting its theme. Martha, Trish Wetton OAM , newly appointed Committee members, both OAMs Diane and David North are joining me to attend this year’s National Conference in Geelong where no doubt we will be learning more for both 2024 when NSW promotes the 2025 Conference as well as finalising the detailed content for 2025.

Our Branch Annual General Meeting last month was well attended. The following luncheon inspired us all, thanks to the addresses from two of our 2022 Youth Community Service Awardees (who are now members of the Young Australian Leaders project), Ms Halis Rishamsulkamal and Mr Edward Hayek, as well as Jean Kittson AM who spoke of her family, career and community passions- poignantly shared with great humour throughout.  $1,100 was raised for “Raise Foundation”, one of Jean’s community passions and for which she is an Ambassador.

Please visit the NSW Branch’s section of the Association’s website https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/news   to read the 2023 Branch Reports, understand our Branch finances and learn more about our Youth Community Service Awards, as well as read the regional group reports with photos on their recent activities as well as the member profiles. I cannot think of an Association with as many inspiring members from such a great community spread.

The Regional Leaders zoom bimonthly with the latest being this past week. They are a great resource for the overall leadership of the Association as we try to bridge the country-city gap. The discussion shared ideas, gave constructive feedback and contributed much for our forward thinking and planning, including:

• Event planning for 2023, details of which will appear on the NSW Website.
• Approaches being made to local civic leaders, media and members to improve publicising events, The Order of Australia and the Association.
• Planning inter-region gatherings.
• Developing and re-energising individual region membership.
• Restructuring the larger geographical regions’ local regional committee membership and the locations of member gatherings.
• Encouraging local High School Principals to nominate students for our Youth Community Service awards. https://theorderofautralia.asn..au/nsw/youth-award/
• Suggestions for contact with members who no longer can physically attend our gatherings, a matter of much concern expressed at the Branch AGM.

Lastly, we will be represented by members of the Branch Committee at the Australia Day Awardees investiture ceremonies at Government House between 18^th April and 2^nd May 2025. The date of the next Parliament House Welcome luncheon will be announced shortly and invitations will be emailed when once known. We very much look forward to both events and mixing with the latest Awardees and hopefully they will be new Association members.

YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE GEELONG BASED, MAY 2023 NATIONAL CONFERENCE. DO SO ON THE NATIONALWEBSITE.   https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/vic/upcoming-events/

Jim MEIN AM

NSW BRANCH CHAIRMAN                                                                                                                                                   

Claudia Ketch OAM; Jean Kitttson AM and Rebecca Hooke OAM

NSW Branch OAA Committee 2023 Jim Mein AM; Martha Jabour OAM; Trish Wetton OAM; John Gullotta AM; Louise Davis AM; Chris Dunne OAM; Gail Dunne OAM; David North OAM; Dianne North OAM; Frank Kelleher OAM; Geoffrey Glassock OAM

HUNTER REGION MORNING TEA

The Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group conducted a successful Morning Tea at Cardiff RSL Club on Saturday 18 March 2023 with 118 in attendance. 

Photo left – Professor Clare Collins AO; Mr Garry Leo OAM; Mrs Dawn Lovett OAM; Mr John Lovett OAM; Mr Henry Meskauskas OAM; Mr Andrew Traill OAM; and Mr John Cutler OAM.

Photo – Peter Corcoran AM and June Cameron AM.

A report and greetings were extended to those present from Chris Dunne OAM who was representing the New South Wales Branch in his role as Regional and Web Coordinator.  Chris was accompanied by Gail Dunne OAM, New South Wales Treasurer.

The well received guest speaker was Rosemarie Milsom BA DipEd who spoke on her career titled “Art and Life”.

June Cameron AM was presented with a plaque recognising her ten years of outstanding service as Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group Convenor – 2012 to 2022.

Peter Corcoran AM has succeeded June Cameron AM as Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group Convenor.  He congratulated and welcomed those awardees attending a function for the first time.

Gerry Collins, ex ABC Sports commentator, was our excellent Master of Ceremonies.

The next Hunter area function will be a morning tea at Salamander Bay on Wednesday 28 June 2023.

There will be a morning tea at Cardiff RSL Club on Saturday 26 August 2023 to acknowledge local King’s Birthday Order of Australia awardees.

Check out our website for updates on Regional Events and News:  https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nswregional-groups

Mr Gary Leo OAM and Family on such a proud and emotional day, when all the family can gather as one to acknowledge the award bestowed on a member of their family.

 Check our website at:   https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/meet-our-members/

And https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/committee-members

For information about some of our members, and for Bios of our Committee Members.

REMEMBER, Please let me know the email address of anyone who would like to have their story put on our website under MEET OUR MEMBERS.  We all enjoy reading about some of the amazing work being done by our 2400 Members across the State.  [email protected]

Our AGM guest speaker Jean Kittson AM wrote a very useful and entertaining book about helping aging loved ones deal with the very complicated Government departments responsible for our aging population. It’s worth reading if you are dealing with this personally or for others.

We Need to Talk About Mum & Dad: A Practical Guide to Parenting Our Ageing Parents https://g.co/kgs/ZePXQ5

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

I originally chose “OPTIMISM” as my theme for this, our last Newsletter of Year 2022, with a subtitle of “lost time is never found again.” The pandemic almost killed the branch and regional face to face get togethers because of social distancing restrictions and health fears, hence my reference to “lost time”.

As oft said, Covid has taught us all to relate and work differently in times when it was harder to keep contact with each other in other ways than in person, learning the importance of keeping contact by telephone and electronically. However, this three years period will also indelibly remind us of the importance of thinking of others, especially those who have suffered through health challenges and natural disasters which left few untouched in our communities.

Isolation is menace and so is the incredible devastation caused by bushfires and then the flooding, the latter too often been repeated before there was time to recover from the previous flood.

We have learnt from many of our regional leaders and other Association members of the impacts, then the difficulties in re-establishing homes, livelihoods and local communities which for too many will take years. The images of gutted homes, water-covered lost bumper crops (not long after the losses caused by droughts and mice plagues), and resultant food and services scarcity how does one recover? How long will it take to rebuild? How can their forthcoming Christmas holidays be enjoyed amongst all the physical, emotional and financial devastation?

How can we help? How can restore optimism for a quick recovery?

The national board of the Association has offered deferred payment on annual subscriptions, and the profit and donations from the Branch’s Christmas luncheon with be given to “Givit”. Many members are already serving charities which in different ways are supporting the flood recoveries but I encourage all members to seek ways that some of their own Christmas financing will help the impacted have a better Christmas and have good reason to be optimistic about the future.

We may have lost more than time but we should strive for an optimistic future for everyone’s sake.

I take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy and meaningful Christmas and a better year to come. Jim Mein AM Branch Chairman

CALL to HELP ORGANISE THE 2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE in SYDNEY:

The Branch Committee has the responsibility to organise the 2025 National Conference and invites expressions of interest from members who have events management and conference organisational experience.

The appointed team will need to be available throughout the period from early 2023 until June 2025 as the Conference theme, venues, accommodation, activities, speakers, sponsorships and possible government funding need all to be secured during 2023 and marketing and promotion in 2024/2025. Please submit your written expression of interest to Ms Martha Jabour, NSW Branch Secretary, PO Box 561, PARRAMATTA, NSW 2124 by 31st January 2023.

Attached invitation for our 2022 CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON Sunday 11 December.

Money raised will be donated to GIVIT, an organization which is providing support at a local level across NSW.

We have set up a fund raising GIVIT page for the OAA NSW that people can donate to. Please have look at it and donate if you can.

The link is 

https://fundraise.givit.org.au/fundraisers/oaansw

A/Prof John Gullotta AM
Deputy Chairman

Metropolitan Coordinator

Events Manager and Public Relations
The Order of Australia Association NSW
Mobile: 0418 233 069

THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA NSW BRANCH WELCOME TO NEW AWARDEES, PARLIAMENT HOUSE

On November 14 we held our first “New Awardee Welcome Lunch” in three years, at Parliament House Sydney, after a Covid induced delay.

We welcomed 80 new Australian Honours recipients, together with friends and family.  Lunch was kindly hosted by Mr Guy Zangari MP, Member for Fairfield, and our guest speaker was Professor Michael Kidd AM, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of NSW.  Professor Kidd has been a general practitioner for 35 years, working in urban and rural areas across Australia, and is a past president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.  He is a world-leading authority on primary health care, having worked in senior leadership positions in Australia and around the world, including the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation of Family Doctors.  Professor Kidd spoke about the Covid-19 Pandemic, Lessons learnt and where to from here?

Our Patron The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC was unable to be with us on the day, but sent her best wishes and congratulations to all of the Awardees.

Committee Member of the OAA NSW, Mrs Trish Wetton OAM proposed a toast to the new recipients, and Prof Stephanie Watson OAM responded.  Professor Watson is an ophthalmic surgeon, an international leader in research and innovation with over 200 publications and is Professor at Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney.  She has also developed the Safe Sight registry for corneal diseases. Stephanie was awarded her OAM in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

A/P John Gullotta AM, Deputy Chairman, OAA NSW

The Order of Australia New Recipient Welcome Lunch Parliament House Sydney, 14 November 2022

Thanks to Michael Manningham 0AM who is our official photographer.

OAA NSW Member Leanne M Zalapa AM, Professor Michael Kidd AM, Rebecca Hooke OAM

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

For information, please email our Hon Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected]

MEET OUR MEMBERS –  Please visit https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nse/meet-our/members/

Shortly we will be profiling our hard working Regional Convenors

REGIONAL NEWS:

NEPEAN, BLUE MOUNTAINS AND HAWKESBURY REGIONAL GROUP

On Sunday afternoon 27^th November a small group of Order of Australia recipients enjoyed Afternoon Tea on the Terrace of the Glenbrook Panthers Bowling Club.

While it was a small gathering it was wonderful to be once again enjoying the company of like-minded people. It was the first time since 2019 that this regional group has held a social function.

Group Chairman John Wakefield OAM welcomed Chair of NSW Branch Jim Mein AM and his wife Gill, Regional Group Coordinator for NSW Chris Dunne OAM and his wife NSW Branch Treasurer Gail Dunne OAM and Dr Frank Kelleher OAM Youth Community Service Award Coordinator for NSW as visitors to the function.

It was pleasing to see local recipients from all corners of the regional group. John advised the gathering that he would like to hold 3 such social events during the next year, hopefully one in each part of this large regional group.

Recent recipients were welcomed and congratulated by the gathering: Fay Wheatley OAM, Robyn Emery OAM, Donald Mason OAM and Terry Galloway OAM.

A successful raffle was held with 8 prizes organised by heather Gwilliam OAM. The funds raised will be forwarded to NSW Branch to support Youth projects.

L to R, Terry Galloway OAM, Donald Mason OAM, Fay Wheatley OAM, Chairman John Wakefield OAM and Robyn Emery OAM.

REGIONAL EVENTS

NE & NW Regional Christmas Luncheon will be held on Saturday 10 December in Tamworth.

For details, please contact Regional Convenor Jane Bradford OAM 0429666100

SYDNEY EVENTS:            

• Dec 2022: Christmas luncheon Sunday 11 December: INVITATION ATTACHED TO THIS NEWSLETTER
• Northern Beaches Regional Cocktail Party, Sunday 11 December, Balgowlah RSL Club,

(Contact Gail Dunne 0419279337 for details)

• 2023: Australia Day Luncheon Cruise 26 January.

Invitation attached to today’s email. Please book early as numbers are limited due to the capacity of the vessel.

• 2023: 40^th Anniversary luncheon or dinner.  Details will be in a future Newsletter.
• AGM Tuesday 21 March – details to follow

SAVE THE DATE:  NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM GEELONG, Vic 18 – 21 May 2023

** Please refer to the OAA WEBSITE: https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/vic/upcoming-events/

Governor’s Message 2022

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Dear NSW Members,

We have just completed an extraordinary month in the history of the world, Australia, our Association and with our Community Youth Service Awards programme. 

As I reflect on the well-deserved tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the rock she was during her amazing reign, to the Uniting Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and indeed the world, she has left us with ever-lasting memories which are invaluable legacies to all who mourn and read about her in future generations. 

For me, legacy is a key word in itself for us to digest. 

What legacy will you, me and the leadership of community organizations, no matter how small and/or large, leave to those who will survive us and come after we die?   Whilst none of us has nor continues to serve the community for our own glory, there is nothing wrong with trying to leave a positive legacy to those who follow us by helping to continue to look after the welfare and overall journey of our communities.  In other words, we should aspire to be community builders for a better future. That should be our legacy. 

Her Majesty encouragingly served us through wars, peace, turmoil, tragedies, political unrest and good times. A Queen for all times. 

We wish His Majesty, King Charles 111, a fruitfully empowering and encouraging continuity of his mother’s legacies as well as bringing his own touches to his leadership. 

Whilst the change of Monarch was the most significant change in September, closer to home, we are amazed at the achievements of this year’s twenty-six NSW Youth Community Service Awardees which give us immense confidence of today’s young leaders and the future of our communities. For details visit

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/youth-award/

We welcome new regional convenors in the Taree-Manning, Central West, Coffs Harbour, The Hunter and Southern Highlands regions to build on their predecessor’s legacies. Three have already had, or set dates for their region’s reunions. 

We sadly farewelled Mary Doughty AM whose Vale appears on the Branch’s website. She will be fondly remembered for her many years of Branch leadership and her invaluable archiving contribution, post retiring. https://theorderofaustralia.asn.nsw/news/

Sydney’s Opera Luncheon was brilliant entertainment and raised funds for Young Australian Leaders and for our Association’s Foundation. More functions are planned, especially for welcoming new Awardees which we have not been able to do for over two years because of Covid social distancing.

Associated with this announcement is that our Branch will be allowed two representatives at larger investiture ceremonies in early October 2022 

The world needs great leaders and their legacies. 

What legacy can you endow for a brighter community present and the future? 

Jim Mein AM, Branch Chairman

INAUGURAL OPERA LUNCHEON 202

Inaugural Opera Luncheon – Saturday 17th September 2022.

Our first “The Opera singers” lunch was held on 17 September. The performances by Gaetano Bonfante – Tenor, and Clarissa Spata – Soprano were excellent and the Cellos Grand dining room was most complementary. Our Association Members and their guests enjoyed the music and opportunity to meet face to face whilst having a most enjoyable lunch.

Numbers were 66 and with a successful raffle thanks to our Honorary Secretary Martha Jabour OAM and others donating prizes we made an overall profit of about $1000 donated to the Young Australian Leaders Group. And the OAA Foundation.

A/Prof  John Gullott AM, Deputy Chairman, and Jim Mein AM, Chairman NSW Branch

The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch,

Youth Community Service Awards 2022

On Friday September 2, the OAA NSW Youth Community Service Awards were presented at Government House NSW to 26 high school students in NSW by The Honourable AS Bell, Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, Administrator of the Government of the State of NSW, for exceptional service or engagement with their local community or to Australia in general.

The students received a trophy and certificate of commendation from the Chief Justice.

Conducted by the Order of Australia Association (NSW) Branch, students across the state were nominated by their school principal as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final Award recipients.

Service ranges from local initiatives such as education, health and welfare for disadvantaged or underprivileged communities, to international initiatives in a host of community development activities such as education, health, sanitation and infrastructure projects.  The Award is not for academic or sporting achievements.

Citations for the 26 students are on our website:

https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/youth-award

The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch Chairman, Jim Mein AM, congratulated the students saying they were an exemplary community role model.

“These students are recognized today for their selfless volunteering to a wide range of organisations and for many years worthy causes while busily preparing for their Higher School Certificates,” said Mr Mein.

“They have contributed beyond the norm and have inspired their fellow students.  They are a beacon of inspiration for others to follow,” he added.

“None of the students sought recognition for their actions, but we honour them with the highest recognition available to NSW high school students,” he said.

The Award was initiated by the late Dr John Lincoln AM, in 1992 and was Convened by him until his death in 2011, aged 95.

Dr Frank Kelleher OAM

Convenor

OAA NSW Youth Community Service Awardees 2022, with Dr Frank Kelleher OAM, Louise Davis AM,  The Honourable AS Bell, Chief Justice of the Surpreme Court,  Martha Jabour OAM, A/Prof John Gullotta AM, Deputy Chairman, and Jim Mein AM, Chairman, NSW Branch.

MEET OUR MEMBERS:  Romilly Madew AO FTSE HonFIEAust

Romilly Madew is CEO of Engineers Aust

Previously Romilly was CEO Infrastructure Romilly Madew AO FTSE HonFIEAust    MEET OUR MEMBERS

Australia (IA), where she was responsible for overseeing IA’s critical role in helping governments prioritise projects and reforms that best serve our communities.

Before joining Infrastructure Australia, Romilly was CEO of Green Building Council of Australia for 13 years. In acknowledgment of her contribution to Australia’s sustainable building movement, Romilly was awarded an Order of Australia in 2019.

In her capacity as CEO of Engineers Australia, Romilly sits on the STEM Champions of Change committee.  She is also currently a Member of the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering (ATSE) Infrastructure Forum; Director Placemaking NSW Board; Director Sydney Olympic Park Authority; Independent Chair Currawong State Park Advisory Board (NSW); Federal Government appointee, G20 EMPOWER – Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation and Director of Minerva Network (supporting Australia’s elite sportswomen).

Romilly is an active surf life saver.  She was previously President of Bilgola SLSC, is a Patrol Captain for Bilgola and is the Support Services Coordinator, a Duty Officer and Committee Member Diversity and Inclusion working group for Surf Lifesaving Sydney Northern Beaches Branch.

IN MEMORIUM – Brian Sherman AM

Tributes flowed for entrepreneur, philanthropist and animal rights activist Brian Sherman AM, who died in September after a 10-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  He was 79.

Mr Sherman and his wife Gene arrived in Australia from South Africa in 1976 with little to their name.  With cousin-in-law Laurence Freedman, he founded the investment house Equitilink in 1981.

The Shermans have been avid collectors of art since the early 1970s.  They established the Sherman Galleries, through which they championed notable contemporary artists including Shaun Gladwell and Imants Tillers and staged Ai Weiwei’s first solo Australian exhibition and amongst the first of his significant exhibitions worldwide.

He was on the board of the Sydney Organising Committee for the 2000 Olympic Games and chairman of its finance committee.  He was president of the Australian Museum Trust from 2001 to 2009, and was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to the community and his philanthropy in the arts, medical science, animal rights and the Jewish community.

Brian is survived by his wife Gene and two children, Emile and Ondine and their partners Caroline and Dror and six grandchildren.

Brian will be sadly missed by his family, his many friends and those who knew him throughout his many decades of giving.

**********************************************************

SAVE THE DATE:  NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM GEELONG, Vic 18 – 21 May 2023

** Please refer to the OAA WEBSITE: https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/vic/upcoming-events/

https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/news

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:  Note the dates:

Southern Highlands Regional Luncheon on 14 October at the Mittagong RSL Club

Dubbo Regional luncheon on 15^th October

 Illawarra Regional luncheon and AGM on 4^th November

TBA:                           Welcome Lunch at Parliament House for new Awardees 

              40^th Anniversary luncheon or dinner and

              Christmas luncheon or dinner

We wished Mary a very happy 90^th birthday in 2020 and today we are deeply saddened by the news of her death on 1 September 2022.

Mary devoted her life to helping others.  She worked within the NSW Health system from 1949 to 2005 and had a lifetime of voluntary work for the Epilepsy Association of NSW, the Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College as a committee member from 1957 to 1995.

Mary was also an accomplished writer with articles published in the MBA of NSW, The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch history, the doctor’s health care report for the Doctor’s Health Advisory Service, 1994, AASW NSW Hospital Social Work (1996) and a history of Monte Sant Angelo ex-students (1875-1988) and articles in the medical journal of Australia, including seminars and workshops.

Mary was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1997, she was an Associate Branch Committee member in 1998, the Deputy Chair in 1999, Chairman 2000-2003, Immediate Past Chair 2003-2005 and Regional Coordinator 2005-2007. Mary Doughty was most recently Archivist for the NSW Branch.

Mary will be sadly missed by her family, her many friends, and those who knew her throughout her many decades of giving to others.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.  A great soul never dies.  It brings us together again and again. Maya Angelou.”

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Dear NSW Members,

I welcome the many new Awardees who have joined the Association. May your journey with us be both enlightening and enjoyable. As we continue to emerge from pandemic social distancing, regain confidence to socially mix and benefit from interactions between members, may we always be mindful of changing world relations, circumstances, opportunities and needs, not just wants. This message has hard driven me in my various community and family involvements, both inside and external to our Association. Regularly, I am challenged by both the rate of change as well as its impact on traditions, values, and intergenerational viewpoints. Let me share some of these gems: –

• An institutional leader opined that their long-time established traditions have served them well in a different time, but many are becoming less relevant and his organisation less intergenerational. He said we must change and collaboratively work together in a different era to maintain relevance and attractive to new members.
• We need to be more strategic and futuristic to keep up with change and more prophetic in working together as we can no longer be safe doing the things alone and in the old way.
• Our Branch’s regional leaders meet bi-monthly by electronic media with the Branch Committee. We recognise that face-to-face gatherings are invaluable for social gatherings but for an organisation like ours, we interact more reliably this way for decision making, problem solving and ideas sharing. Attendance is more achievable as some of regions involve desirably avoidable lengthy and costly travelling, thereby increasing our availability to work together. For those with work and/or other commitments, they benefit themselves and us with contributions to better outcomes.
• Traditions can be foundational values on which an organisation is built and influence its practices and procedures. However, survival requires adept adaptations to changing ways influenced by computerisation, electronics, new inventions, legislation and regulation, marketing, consumerism, research, and tastes and attitudes. Adeptly keeping ahead with change is essential to survival and values may have to be redefined.
• Even vocabulary is constantly changing which is particularly seen in the growth of dictionaries. Some are avoidable jargon. Others add dimension to everyday language. I have to constantly update to enhance effective communication, particularly in intergenerational conversation and to be better understood when public speaking.

Back to our Regional leaders meetings, we have been reflecting on membership growth, the benefits of being members of our Association, rebuilding our communications as a result of pandemic caused isolation, and revitalising our activity gatherings. As a result, and for your feedback, please:-

• I have appended an updated statement on the benefits of being a member of our Association.
• Encouraging intra-regional communications which can include Awardee profiles as we do in “The Order”, on the Branch website and with this Newsletter. Life stories are inspirational.
• Asking members to nominate community leaders for an Order of Australia and providing guidelines. These were issued with the August Newsletter, thanks to Roger Butler OAM from Moree.
• Enhancing the Member Benefits products range.

Finally, Gail and Chris Dunne and I have between us attended regional functions this year in Coffs Harbour, the Far South Coast, Illawarra, Inverell, Nowra, Orange, Port Macquarie and The Hunter (2), and soon will be going to Alstonville, Dubbo, Bowral, and again in Illawarra. Morning teas with occasional speakers have been held regularly in Gosford and an inaugural Northern Beaches luncheon was held in Manly. Plans are afoot but dates yet to be set for the Lower Blue Mountains and the Riverina.

Please also note the Opera Luncheon in Sydney CBD on 17th September. DETAILS IN THE EMAIL COVERING THIS NEWSLETTER.

Cellos Grand Dining Room, Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, Sydney, 12.30

Performances by:  Gaetano Bonfante – Tenor and Clarissa Spata – Soprano

The issue of the Parliament House welcome luncheons for new Awardees, which have not been held for two years because of the Covid impacted limitations on investiture ceremony sizes, the Branch representation at the ceremonies will shortly be resuming. However, we are yet to decide when the luncheons will be feasible. This will hopefully be determined by the end of next month.

Best wishes,

Jim Mein AM Branch Chairman

PS:  VALE Peter Lloyd AC, OBE, MID who sadly passed away on 16 August at the age of 101 after a most extraordinary life of giving and living life to its fullest.

https://australianaviation.com.au/2022/08/obituary-peter-lloyd-a-towering-figure-in-australian-aviation/

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

For information, please email our Hon Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected] 

The Order of Australia Association NSW Branch, Youth Community Service Awards 2022

On September 2, the 2022 Awards will be presented by the Lieutenant Governor of NSW, The Honourable Andrew Bell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Students from year 11/12 throughout NSW have been nominated by their school principal as being exemplary community role models before a selection panel determined the final 26 Award recipients.

Service ranges from local initiatives such as education, health and welfare for disadvantaged or underprivileged communities, to international initiatives in a host of community development activities such as education, health, sanitation and infrastructure projects.

Awardees will be featured in future newsletters and The Order magazine, and on our website   https://theoorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/youth-award/

Dr Frank Kelleher, OAM

REGIONAL NEWS:

https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nsw/regional-groups/

Including:  Hastings/Macleay Branch Lunch 27 July

Inaugural Meeting of Coffs Harbour Committee 26 August, 2022

Laurie Smith OAM travelled from Port Macquarie to facilitate a meeting between Coffs Harbour members to set up a Committee. The newly formed Committee will meet again on September 16.  See our website for more information.

FORTHCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS:  Note the dates:

Dubbo Regional luncheon on 15^th October

Illawarra Regional luncheon and AGM on 4^th November

TBA:

• Welcome Lunch at Parliament House for new Awardees
• 40^thAnniversary luncheon or dinner and
• Christmas luncheon or dinner

MEET OUR MEMBERS –  Please visit https://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/nse/meet-our/members/

Latest Member to be profiled: Patricia Carroll OAM

SAVE THE DATE:  NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM GEELONG, Vic 18 – 21 May 2023

** Please refer to the OAA WEBSITE: https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/vic/upcoming-events/

Merchandise Survey August 2022

Completed surveys should be returned by Tuesday October 4, 2022 at the latest

Merchandise generally has three main purposes

1. For personal use, to identify with the OAA;
2. As a gift for guest speakers, new awardees or other ‘official’ recipients;
3. As a gift for family or friends.

Click here to download the Survey Form

Return Merchandise Survey to: [email protected]

Members and guests are cordially invited to attend

THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA ASSOCIATION NSW BRANCH
INAUGURAL OPERA LUNCHEON 2022

with our special guest Operatic Artists

Gaetano Bonfante & Clarissa Spata

Gaetano Bonfante is a Sydney born tenor who has been on the classical concert stage for many years.

He has performed in 15 productions for Opera Australia, toured La Traviata (as Alfredo) to 18 Cities in China, represented Australia in the international iSing opera program in China, performed as a special guest with the Arma Dei Carabinieri Band in Piazza San Marco Venice, and written and performed various cabaret shows on many prestigious cruise ships around the world. As a teller of stories and a singer of song, Gaetano takes his audience to the depth of their hearts, through his rich tenor voice and a strong passion for the music he loves.

Clarissa Spata is a multi-award winning and versatile Soprano. A principal with Opera Australia, she has performed the roles of Frasquita in the National tour of Carmen, Papagena in the National tour of The Magic Flute, Musetta (cover) in La Bohème on Sydney Harbour and has performed principal roles in six Opera Australia’s school tours. Internationally she has toured China with Australian International Productions as First Lady in Die Zauberflöte, The High Priestess in Aïda and lead in the “Highlights of

Musical Theatre” tour as principal soprano. Clarissa toured as lead soprano in ‘An Afternoon at The Proms Spectacular’ and toured nationally and internationally with The 7 Sopranos.

Saturday 17th September 2022 at 12.30pm

In the Cellos Grand Dining Room at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney.

A drink on arrival will be followed by a seated 2 course luncheon. The bar will be open to purchase other drinks.

Cost for Members and Guests – $110.00 pp. (Inc. GST)

Dress: Lounge Suit / Cocktail Dress with Decorations (Full size medals)

RSVP ESSENTIAL: No later than 10^th September 2022

Please reserve your ticket(s) only via this link: www.stickytickets.com.au/mhcov

OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION AND ENTRY TICKETS WILL BE EMAILED VIA STICKY TICKETS.

There is no parking at The Castlereagh Boutique Hotel. Nearby parking stations include

Sydney Hilton Hotel – Secure Parking at 259 Pitt Street, Sydney and Piccadilly Car Park – Secure Parking at 137 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

For further enquires please phone Dr John Gullotta AM, Events Manager on 0418 233 069

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE AUGUST 2022

Dear NSW Members,

For much of my adult life, I have been challenged by “life balancing”.

It began when a senior partner in the accountancy firm I trained with asked me what were my night-time activities, as the firm was worried that my work responsibilities and capacity were way ahead of my studies progress to qualification. I was athletics training and leading a Cub Pack, then Scout troop. Decades later, the Chair of a Board passed a resolution that he was authorised to make me play golf on a workday as they were concerned that I was doing far more than they required of me as the CEO. We are still playing monthly two decades later! Long after I had ceased that role. I was on fifty-three committees, boards, councils and task groups in and for the Uniting Church, often involving weekends and many evenings.

Then throughout my working life I disciplined myself to do an annual checklist of what I was currently doing in extra activities in and beyond my work roles to ensure that I would not risk burn out, nor cause nor be seen to be in conflict them and my with family and close friend relationships or other organisations with whom I was involved.  The harder part was to let go of those where I was able to make a difference but recognise that I could over serve an organisation and it was better to change rather than overstay my welcome.

At many times, I have also had to ask members of staff, boards and elsewhere, whether they were falling into the same easy trap of over-serving in voluntary roles or employed ones. Perhaps going beyond their experience and training, or risking family breakdowns or their own. It is all hard work to face reality when we are enjoying serving.

The commonly asked questions were: how do you spend your spare time and are you over-committing?

I recall these valuably helpful words posed by Edith Eger in her book entitled: “The Choice” (published by Penguin):

                “Change is about noticing what’s no longer working out of the familiarised imprisoning patterns.”

She powerfully reminded me that change should not scare you, it can be re-invigorating with new challenges, and you will open up doors for others to contribute to Society. Otherwise, you can go stale, limit others’ contributions, and even “kill” an organisation. Modern governance standards now require time limits to the consecutive years serving on boards, councils and committees so that experience and new energies can work together to benefit an organisation.

Life balancing is a critical well-being practice for each and everyone. It also implores us to know when to say yes or no when approached to voluntarily serve the community to our fullest, without losing those who are so important to your own life journey.

Over-commitment costs.

I need also to publicly apologise to John O’Dwyer OAM for misstating in my July 2022 Branch Newsletter that he had retired as Illawarra Regional Convenor. He has not.

Likewise, I owe an apology to Margaret Smith AO who has stepped down as the Southern Highland’s Regional Convenor for referring her to her as “Mary.”

I trust that John and Margaret accept my regrets.

August 2022 beckons us all to welcome all our new members, particularly those who were recognised with an Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Jim Mein AM
NSW Branch Chairman
[email protected]

Building on our Chairman’s remarks about multiplying our efforts and impacts for Australia to be a more “multi” cross cultural  Nation, we are seeking input from our Members for a series illustrating how this is already being achieved in NSW.  We would like to share your thoughts and ideas in our newsletters over the coming months.

• Please send any examples of the work being done in your community to multiply the impact in NSW and more broadly to:
• Email: [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE:  NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM GEELONG, Vic 18 – 21 May 2023

** Please refer to the OAA WEBSITE: https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/vic/upcoming-events/

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

Fiskars Group

We have had the opportunity and privilege to negotiate on behalf of our members some benefits which will be useful, especially for purchasing gifts for family and friends.  Fiskars Group includes such famous brands as Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Waterford and Wedgwood.  Price lists and order form are available on the following link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8snlbrw9e8oksx8/AAD1DJQbSLNfScOutlOViLhLa?dl=0

To take advantage of this offer please see the attachment in the above link entitled “OAA NSW Branch Invitation”.  As the offer states, you will be entitled to at least 50% off retail price of any item/s you choose and Fiskars have very generously offered postage and handling of a flat rate of $9.95 across NSW.  The pricelist is in the above link.

To place an order you will need both the OAA NSW account number (77007) together with your member number.  If you do not know your OAA Member number please contact Dr Geoffrey Glassock AM by email –  [email protected] or Martha Jabour OAM by email – [email protected]   They can send you your number.

For all orders please email [email protected]  or call 1300852022

If you have any questions please email our Hon. Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected] 

MEET OUR MEMBERS:  DR DAN WHITE AM

Dr Dan White has recently retired as the Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Sydney after ten years of leadership and service. Prior to his appointment Dan was the Director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Hobart for six years.

Following his undergraduate studies in Education, Dan attained two Masters degrees in Leadership and Religious Education and completed his Doctorate in the field of Brain Based Learning and Pedagogical practice in 2005. Most recently he participated in the Oxford University Advanced Management and Leadership program.

Dan is the author or co-author of eight educational resource books focusing particularly on the Sacred Scriptures and higher order learning and thinking strategies. His most recent publications include ‘Into the Desert’ and ‘’Ancient Words’. His current research project involves an exploration of the cultural context of 1 st Century Palestine and its implications for understanding the Scriptures.

Over the past 20 years Dan has served on a number of educational authorities including, amongst others, the NSW Board of Studies (now NESA), the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority, the National Catholic Education Commission and the Senate of the Australian Catholic University.

Dan is a Fellow of both the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. He was awarded ‘The Phyllis Evans Medal’ as the Teachers’ Guild of NSW ‘Distinguished Educator’ in 2019 and an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2022.

 Dan is currently the director of Into the Deep Consultancy and provides consultancy and professional learning support for school communities and educational systems across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Dear NSW Members,

Happy New Fiscal Year, with strong hopes for no more social isolation which hinders our many get togethers, attendance at Investitures and Association membership. These hopes are so essential to effective revitalisation and rebuilding of our branch and regional connections with our members. A highlight for me was the June Zoom meeting with our Association’s NSW Regional Leaders. I was buoyed by their enthusiastic ideas which were stimulated by some new leaders as well as the continuing ones. Rotation of committee, board, council and group leaders ensures that any organization remains vibrant and relevant to today and the many tomorrows. This is even better when there is a mix of new and continuing leaders to ensure that the corporate culture and identity remain but we do not lose connection with the support of current community needs. Without these goals and purposes, we are not assured of long-term survival. In my time seventeen months as NSW Branch Chairman there have been significant regional leadership changes. I want to acknowledge the contributions of some significant regional leaders and welcome their successors:

• The late Brian Mackander OAM who died the day after our Illawarra Regional luncheon. A founding member of the region and former NSW Branch Committee member.

• The retirements of John O’Dwyer OAM (who has handed the Illawarra Regional Convenor role to Bill Dowson OAM), Audrey Hardman OAM (Mary Brell AM was elected her successor for the Central West Region Regional Convenor) and Mary Smith AM and Virginia Adlide OAM (who led the Southern Highlands Region and now succeeded by Sharon Hoogland OAM).

• David McCann AM and Di Alexander AM who have taken on the Riverina Regional leadership after a gap, Grahame Gooding OAM (Clarence Richmond, after the death of Don Johnston OAM) and Harold Sharp OAM (Central Coast, after the death of Ron Sharp OAM).

Gail and Chris Dunne ([email protected]) and Patricia Carroll (all OAMs) have started the Sydney Northern Beaches sub-region and are holding their first luncheon on Saturday 30th July 2022 at The Manly Club and reservations can still be made on www.stickytickets.com.au/rob1t

Why am I buoyed? Firstly, the regional leaders Zoom with the Branch Committee every second month. June was our fourth virtual gathering. Covid has sold us the importance of keeping connected, at no financial cost and overcoming the tyranny of distance that is a massive issue for rural based communities. We encourage and resource each other by sharing ideas and experiences, as well as building up confidences to overcome social isolation by using new ways of connecting.

Secondly, we discussed ways of improving the benefits of Association membership, especially as longing and belonging should be essential purposes of any organisation. Our Membership Benefits Programme for discounted purchases has already attracted interest. We are the trial Branch for the Association. Increasing member contact with coffee chatting is already working well in several areas such that we are not restricted to annual or bi-annual luncheon as our only member face-to-face contact. The importance of storytelling with and between our members and building up mentoring where needed is relationally.

Thirdly, badge wearing opportunities are limited. This will be an ongoing discussion point and I welcome your ideas. I will be sharing what the benefits the Association offers to its members to help all of us enlist more Awardees to join.

Other news to share:

• We have been allowed one Branch Committee member attending each future Investiture ceremony so we will be resuming our welcome lunches for new Awardees at Parliament House and hope to catch up with two absent years’ recipients.

• We are planning a belated 40th Branch Anniversary Dinner and an “Opera” function.

• The Archibald guided tours were very successful.

• More webinars are being planned and we need your ideas for topics and speakers so that we can be assured of member participation.

• There will be twenty-six recipients of our Branch’s Youth Community Service Award this year and we are inviting each of them to connect with a local member as a mentor. These awards will be presented on September 2 at Government House NSW. Frank Kelleher OAM has done a magnificent job in maintaining this programme throughout the covid disruption.

Jim Mein AM
NSW Branch Chairman
[email protected]

PS:  Please find attached to this e-Newsletter, a draft list of what is termed “What is in it for being an OAA Member” comment/feedback is welcome.

Building on our Chairman’s remarks about multiplying our efforts and impacts for Australia to be a more “multi” cross cultural  Nation, we are seeking input from our Members for a series illustrating how this is already being achieved in NSW.  We would like to share your thoughts and ideas in our newsletters over the coming months.

• Please send any examples of the work being done in your community to multiply the impact in NSW and more broadly to:
• Email: [email protected]

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

Fiskars Group

We have had the opportunity and privilege to negotiate on behalf of our members some benefits which will be useful, especially for purchasing gifts for family and friends.  Fiskars Group includes such famous brands as Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Waterford and Wedgwood.  Price lists and order form are available on the following link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8snlbrw9e8oksx8/AAD1DJQbSLNfScOutlOViLhLa?dl=0

To take advantage of this offer please see the attachment in the above link entitled “OAA NSW Branch Invitation”.  As the offer states, you will be entitled to at least 50% off retail price of any item/s you choose and Fiskars have very generously offered postage and handling of a flat rate of $9.95 across NSW.  The pricelist is in the above link.

To place an order you will need both the OAA NSW account number (77007) together with your member number.  If you do not know your OAA Member number please contact Dr Geoffrey Glassock AM by email –  [email protected] or Martha Jabour OAM by email – [email protected]  They can send you your number.

For all orders please email [email protected]  or call 1300852022

If you have any questions please email our Hon. Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected] 

28 May 2022 CENTRAL WEST REGION LUNCHEON

L to R: Professor Lesley Foster AM (Speaker and Dean of Rural Medicine Charles Sturt University)

Rt Rev Bishop Richard Hurford OAM,

Mrs Val Bradley OAM,

Mrs Audrey Hardman 0AM (retiring (after 36 years!) Central West Regional Convenor); and

Jim Mein AM Chairman NSW Branch Order of Australia Association.

ILLAWARRA REGIONAL LUNCHEON 27 MAY 2022

Building on our Chairman’s remarks about multiplying our efforts and impacts for Australia to be a more “multi” cross cultural  Nation, we are seeking input from our Members for a series illustrating how this is already being achieved in NSW.  We have enormous talent within our 2,400 membership and we would like to share your thoughts and ideas in our newsletters over the coming months.

Please send any examples of the work being done in your community to multiply the impact in NSW and more broadly

Email:   [email protected]

NATIONAL CONFERENCE & AGM CANBERRA, 19 – 22 May 2022

** Please refer to the e-News email from the OAA National Secretary 24 February with all details.

Or refer to the National website:  https://theorderofaustralia.asn.au/national-conference-2022

NOTE: Vice-Regal Reception:  Government House Canberra has applied a strict limit on attendance for this event.  Sadly, that limit has been reached.  However there is a wait list:

General Registration:   Use this link:   https://www.stickytickets.com.au/ZSXD2

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

Fiskars Group

We have had the opportunity and privilege to negotiate on behalf of our members some benefits which will be useful, especially for purchasing gifts for family and friends.  Fiskars Group includes such famous brands as Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Waterford and Wedgwood.  Price lists and order form are available on the following link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8snlbrw9e8oksx8/AAD1DJQbSLNfScOutlOViLhLa?dl=0

To take advantage of this offer please see the attachment in the above link entitled “OAA NSW Branch Invitation”.  As the offer states, you will be entitled to at least 50% off retail price of any item/s you choose, and Fiskars have very generously offered postage and handling of a flat rate of $9.95 across NSW.  The pricelist is in the above link.

To place an order, you will need both the OAA NSW account number (77007) together with your member number.  If you do not know your OAA Member number please contact Dr Geoffrey Glassock AM by email –  [email protected] or Martha Jabour OAM by email – [email protected]  They can send you your number.

For all orders please email [email protected]  or call 1300852022

If you have any questions, please email our Hon. Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected] 

The Order of Australia NSW Branch AGM and Luncheon was held on the 22^nd March with over 70 members and guests present in the Grand Cello room at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel.

At the AGM, the attendees heard most inspirational talks from two past recipients of the OAA NSW Youth Community Service Award and Alumni members, James Gray and Michael Summers. James and Michael are amazing young men who have already achieved a great deal in their young lives to date. They both are true testament to the outstanding calibre, high moral fibre and selflessness of our OAA NSW Youth Community Service Award winners! They are intelligent, articulate, not afraid of hard work, are dedicated and go over and above to help others in need!

At the luncheon which followed the AGM, we were honoured to welcome our guest speaker, the renowned Retired Detective Superintendent Deb Wallace APM, Former Commander Task Force Raptor, NSW Police Force.

Retired Detective Superintendent Deb Wallace addressed the audience with a great sense of style and demeanour as she recounted her stories of the historic achievements that spanned her 30 year career.

In 1986 as young probationary constable she was asked to dress up as Anita Cobby, as she was the same height as Anita, and had a similar hair colour for the media re-enactment – The NSW Police thought re-enacting her final hours might spark someone’s memory and lead to a breakthrough. Two weeks later the Cobby killers were caught.

Although she didn’t believe she had done anything special, her superiors thought differently. Detective Inspector Wallace went on to disrupt and dismantle the notorious 5T gang in Cabramatta after the assassination of their leader Tri Minh Tran in 1995.

Later, she ran Strike Force Raptor, and led the dismantling of the state’s biggest and most violent bikie gangs and by her retirement in 2019, the number of bikie clubhouses in Australia went from 114 to only two.

She told us that her success came from her willingness to ask questions, act with integrity and take any opportunity that came her way.

“As women we often don’t believe in ourselves,” she said.

“But I was encouraged to take on new challenges, and I took those opportunities. You know you’ve chosen the right job when saying goodbye is so hard.”

Often referred to as “the gang buster”, Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace, has delved into the dark underbelly of crime investigating and dismantling some of the State’s most feared gangs.  Throughout her stellar career spanning 3 decades she has faced murderers, drug manufacturers and extortionists – to name just a few – armed with her trademark heels and colourful suits.

In Wallace’s 2020 official biography – A Woman of Force, veteran crime writer Mark Morri brings to life the jaw-dropping true story of a police trailblazer and woman of force.

The True Story of Deborah Wallace, The Cop Known as the Gangbuster!

Now retired she has begun filming on her new TV Series, Million Dollar Murders, a true crime factual documentary series that profiles unsolved murders which carry a million dollar reward.

It was a most enjoyable and informative talk, with the audience on the edge of their seats, as she told us how her pragmatic approach, tenacity, sense of humour and ability to separate her work and personal life, has enabled her to thrive in high pressure police operations.

Her poise and compassion earned her a special place in the lives and hearts of her colleagues and the grudging respect of her criminal foes!

A/Prof John Gullotta AM
Deputy Chairman and Events Manager

NEW ENGLAND REGION

Back Row L to R. Roger Butler OAM, Secretary; Fred Edwards OAM, Chairman/Convenor; Garnet Wood OAM, Treasurer Front row L to R Jane Bradford OAM, Communications Officer and Peta Blyth OAM, Committee Member

Short BIO of each Committee member.

Roger Butler OAM (Secretary) – services to Scouts (Region Commissioner North West Area),  health (Chairman Moree Hospital and Barwon Health District), President New England and  North West Law Society 
Fred Edwards OAM (Chairman/Convenor) – services to Rotary and overseas aid  Garnet Wood OAM (Treasurer) – service to community health.
Jane Bradford OAM (Communications Officer) – service to the community through Rotary, U3A, Zonta and Local Government
Peta Blyth OAM (Committee Member) – services to opera

NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL MEMBERS
Luncheon 12 March 2022 at Inverell

Group photograph of awardees from as far afield as Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Lightning Ridge, Moree, Mungindi and Tamworth.

Far South Coast Regional Group

Our Far South Coast Regional Group met for the first time in nearly three years at two separate venues this week. We had been thwarted by bushfires and Covid over the past two and a half years so everyone was delighted to emerge and socialise.

A small group gathered at Club Bega on the 29 March for afternoon tea. It was a warm, inclusive group and our special awardee was Shirley Rixon OAM who blew us all away with her inspiring history of volunteering on so many fronts. Special mention must be made of Les Maley OAM who made a special effort to attend, with his wife, Carleen. Helen Galton OAM, accompanied by her husband Richard, cut short her trip to Darwin in order to join us. We thank everyone who made it such a heart-warming event.

On 30 March 2022 the Group met to congratulate the four recent awardees in our area and to listen to their remarkable stories at an afternoon tea held at the Narooma Golf Club. The event was well attended by thirty members and friends

Of particular significance was the recognition of the late Matt Deveson whose OAM was awarded on the Queen’s Birthday last year just three weeks after Matt died at 60.

Matt’s widow, Jen, spoke emotionally and with great love about Matt and his achievements for the community. Three other speakers supported Jen in this very moving tribute to a man so well respected and highly regarded.

We were pleased to welcome our Guests of Honour, Chris Dunne OAM and his wife Gail, OAM. Their presence made the occasion even more significant for the awardees.

Our awardees:

• Jan Phillips AM for services to oncology and palliative care, particularly in Pakistan, Singapore, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Jan was our Guest Speaker at both Bega and Narooma.
• Shirley Rixon OAM for services as a long-term volunteer in the Bega Valley Shire
• Brian Wheeler OAM for services to veterans and their families
• Dr Lenore Coltheart OAM for services to local history in the Batemans Bay area.

Dr Jenny Munro AM, Chair of the Far South Coast Group, briefed the gathering on the activities of the group highlighting the awarding of scholarships to selected young people to undertake Young Endeavour voyages. Four students have completed these voyages. The most recent awardee has waited patiently through the pandemic for her opportunity to sail and is due to leave soon.

Dr Jenny Munro AM

Chair

Far South Coast region

Order of Australia Association

Jan Phillips AM

Jan’s nursing career commenced in the 60’s at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and now spans over 57 years. As a young naïve 17year old living in Darlinghurst with King’s Cross just up the way her amazing life time’s career was off to a very informative start.

Then as an Air Force wife and mother Jan continued to nurse wherever they landed.  Darwin, Malaysia and the United States enabled her to further hone her skills.

Jan’s husband Martyn retired in 1985, together they built their home and settled in the beautiful Deua Valley.

Jan joined the Moruya Oncology and Palliative Care Team but after 10 years the wanderer in her returned.  Off to Pakistan in 1998 to nurse at Imran Khan’s Hospital in Lahore.  Not to be left pining Martyn joined her and he too found himself busy at the hospital.

Since their return in 2002 Asian countries have continued to hold Jan’s focus as a Palliative Care Nurse Consultant and Mentor working with many teams in several countries – always with the loving support and logistical expertise of Martyn.

Shirley Rixon OAM Bega

Shirley May Rixon, 69, has been awarded with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her selfless voluntary work throughout the Bega Valley Shire.

Shirley has been involved in a number of community-based activities. She now runs a weekly walk in Merimbula under the banner of the Heart Foundation and has done so since 2013.

Her passion for volunteering, especially assisting the sick or elderly, started from the ripe age of six when living in Kiah.

A neighbour needed help looking after his 88 year old father while he picked corn for market. She would help feed the man and help him around the house.

Ms Rixon said the elderly man’s appreciation and the gratitude of his son made a lasting impact on her, and so started her journey to use her own time to help others.

Her career started in the early 1970s as an assistant nurse at Bega hospital. When she became a mother, she said she began to see other needs in the community, such as children struggling with learning disabilities.

She said one of the highlights during that time was when she became the publicity officer of the Bega Area Difficulties Learning Support Group.

Matt Deveson OAM

Matt was an active member, continuously of the Narooma Chamber of Commerce from 2007 until 2020. For many of those thirteen years he was either President or Vice President. He was the primary organiser of the Narooma Oyster Festival from the inaugural in 2008. Members of the chamber ran the festival themselves until 2011. Matt was a member of the Liquor Licensing Board in Eurobodalla and a member of the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund. He was a member of both the Eurobodalla Business Advisory Committee and the Eurobodalla Tourism Board. He instigated the NAB Working Group in Narooma and from there organised the Narooma Community Workshops to develop a Narooma Community Plan – a strategic plan for future development. He was a staunch supporter of Red Cross.

Speech made by Jen Houghton Deveson, 30 March 2022, Narooma Golf Club

‘It is lovely to be here in this illustrious group to celebrate the achievements of members of our beautiful community, my late husband Matt included in that group. I’d like to thank Jenny Munro for championing this recognition for Matts efforts and all those in supporting his nomination.

I know he was incredibly humbled by this award and like many of us, I feel robbed that he is not standing here. Matt used to tell me that when he was a boy his father, Ivan, would wake him up with the refrain “get out of bed and make a contribution to society”. And whilst he didn’t understand or embrace it at the time that ethos was certainly true in his later years.

After spending time in the wilderness of youth Matt went back to school in his thirties to study business at RMIT. And there he met some wonderful people with inquiring minds and ideas on how to do things a little differently. It was there he met his mentor, Professor Peter Sheldrake, who incidentally helped contribute to his OAM nomination.

So, it was at RMIT that the little seed planted by his father started to germinate, but it was in Narooma that it truly blossomed. He loved this community and felt our greatest strength was its people. He met and collaborated with so many amazing entrepreneurs who call the Eurobodalla home and knew that these very people were the key to our success to drive growth and create jobs and opportunities for our youth so they didn’t have to seek opportunities beyond our region.

We have lost a truly remarkable man but are all the better for having known him. I know the mavericks in this community will keep carrying the torch for him. I’d like to finish with a quote by Theodor Roosevelt that Matt was particularly fond of… Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though chequered by failure…than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.

I extend my congratulations to the award winners in our community, thank you for your contributions. And on behalf of Matthew William Deveson OAM, thank you”.

NSW BRANCH AGM March 22, 2022

Note: Committee members not in photo:  Rev Dr Geoffrey Glossock AM, FAP, Adrienne Cahalan OAM, Romano Di Donato OAM and Harold Sharpe OAM.

REMINDER:

MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM, for the Order of Australia Association, NSW Branch Members

Fiskars Group

We have had the opportunity and privilege to negotiate on behalf of our members some benefits which will be useful, especially for purchasing gifts for family and friends.  Fiskars Group includes such famous brands as Royal Albert, Royal Doulton, Waterford and Wedgwood.  Price lists and order form are available on the following link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8snlbrw9e8oksx8/AAD1DJQbSLNfScOutlOViLhLa?dl=0

To take advantage of this offer please see the attachment in the above link entitled “OAA NSW Branch Invitation”.  As the offer states, you will be entitled to at least 50% off retail price of any item/s you choose and Fiskars have very generously offered postage and handling of a flat rate of $9.95 across NSW.  The pricelist is in the above link.

To place an order you will need both the OAA NSW account number (77007) together with your member number.  If you do not know your OAA Member number please contact Dr Geoffrey Glassock AM by email –  [email protected] or Martha Jabour OAM by email – [email protected]   They can send you your number.

For all orders please email [email protected]  or call 1300852022

If you have any questions please email our Hon. Secretary Martha Jabour OAM on [email protected] 

Building on our Chairman’s remarks about multiplying our efforts and impacts for Australia to be a more “multi” cross cultural  Nation, we are seeking input from our Members for a series illustrating how this is already being achieved in NSW.  We would like to share your thoughts and ideas in our newsletters over the coming months.

• Please send any examples of the work being done in your community to multiply the impact in NSW and more broadly to:
• Email: [email protected]