New South Wales
Regional News
The first Regional Group to hold a function was Tamworth (now the North West Regional Group) on 21st September 1984; up to the date of this Newsletter hundreds of functions have been held in regional areas – lunches, dinners, morning/afternoon teas, church services and other events.
OAA CENTRAL WEST – ORANGE LUNCHEON 16TH MARCH 2025
On Sunday 16th March a group of 15 people attended an OAA luncheon at the Wentworth Golf Club, Orange. This was organised by Convenor, Mary Brell OAM. We enjoyed a delicious lunch before being introduced to the guest speakers, Lyndall Harrison from the Country Education Foundation (CEF) and to students who have received scholarships from CEF. Lyndall has been working with the CEF for 11 years and speaks highly of the young people who received scholarships and have gone on to complete tertiary studies in many and varied fields. Lyndall interviewed two of these wonderful young people, Alex and Lily. Alex is studying BEd and Lily, nursing, both at Bathurst CSU. Alex wants to teach K-12. He wants to specialise in PE for Years 6 to 12. Lily wants to specialise in Metal Health Nursing. They both want to stay in rural communities. Both of these young people truly deserve all the support that is available so they can go on to make a difference within their chosen profession.
Mary has completed her third year as Convenor of the region, so introduced The Hon Robert Webster AM, who will take over the convenor role in the near future.
Mary thanked the other committee members who help to make sure that the committee continues to function very well. Kate Baxter AM is treasurer and Monica Morse OAM is the Secretary.
OAA HASTINGS REGION LUNCH 6TH March 2025
On 6th March, 22 people gathered at Laurieton United Services Club to congratulate and acknowledge three of the region’s new awardees announced on Australia Day 2025.
The meeting opened with a welcome from Convenor Laurie Smith OAM. He congratulated the three new awardees who were present, Carol Briscoe OAM, Paul Rowlandson OAM and Barbara Smith OAM. Laurie also acknowledged the great work and service from two recently deceased members, Laurie Orchard OAM and Lyn Andrews OAM.
Carol Briscoe OAM was accompanied by her husband, Peter. Carol received her award for her service and dedication to St Agnus’ Catholic Parish and the Catholic Diocese of Lismore. Education is her passion and one of her roles was as Chair of the Education Council which she held for twenty years. Over that time she worked hard to raise funds for education and established scholarships.
Paul Rowlandson OAM received his award for his service to surveying. Paul has been both the NSW Chair and the National Chair of the Association of Consulting Surveyors. Since his retirement he has continued to support and train young surveyors. Paul has been involved in many community groups in Port Macquarie.
Barbara Smith OAM received her award for over five decades of serving others in the community. She has an interest in sport and has coached junior netball teams, refereed games, and has been an Olympics volunteer at games around the world. Her career as a Qantas flight attendant gave her the opportunity to visit orphanages in Thailand and Zimbabwe. She organised knitting projects and has sent blankets to Thailand. Barbara and her husband, Laurie Smith OAM, have also fostered a number of children.
Unable to be present was Adele Whalen OAM who received her award for her community service through various administrative roles. Adele is a Laurieton resident and has been involved with Little Athletics since the 1970s.
One of the Association members in the Hastings Region, Noel Hiffernan OAM, is on the Board of the United Services Club so we were all treated to a delicious lunch along with some great service.
OAA Hunter Region Morning Tea 1st March 2025
On 1st March 2025, 150 members, family and friends gathered at Cardiff RSL Club to acknowledge the Australia Day recipients of awards.
Gerry Collins, retired ABC journalist, was the MC for the function. The National Anthem was led by young, vibrant nonagenarian, Val Harvey-Hamilton OAM.
Professor Maree Gleeson OAM who was acting as Convenor for the Region due to the illness of Peter Corcoran AM, welcomed and congratulated all the new awardees. There were eleven awarded and seven of those were able to attend the morning tea.
Wing Commander Cameron Douglas received an AM in the Military Division for exceptional service delivering advanced integrated air and missile defence capability for the Australian Defence Force and the United States Air Force.
Dr Gregory Gambrill received an AM for his significant service to science and to public health and nutrition.
Mr Ian Marler received an AM for significant service to surveying and to the community.
Mr Geoffrey Sharrock received an AM for significant service to the mining industry and to the community.
Assoc. Professor Jill Duncan received an OAM for service to tertiary education and to people with a disability.
Mr Thomas Gustard received an OAM for service to Rugby League as a referee.
The awardees unable to attend were:
Ms Lauren Parker who received an OAM for service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024.
Ms Carol Peterson received an OAM for service to youth, particularly through Girl Guides.
Ms Samantha Connor received an AM for significant service to people with a disability.
There was one posthumous award to The Late Professor Lyndall Ryan AM for distinguished service to tertiary education, particularly Indigenous history and colonial settlement through research and publications.
The guest speaker was Margaret O’Leary OAM who gave a very informative presentation on The Lost Boys. Margaret is a member of the Fromelles Association of Australia which was formed in 2014. Margaret spoke about the 250 bodies that were found in a burial pit on the First World War battle ground of Fromelle in 2008. Through DNA testing they have so far identified 180 of these young Australian soldiers. There are still another 70 to be identified.
Their next function is set down for Wednesday 25th June at Port Stephens.
OAA Illawarra Region High Tea 21st February 2025
On Friday 21st February, 27 people gathered at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow to congratulate the three local citizens who received awards in the Australia Day Honours, Phillip Driscoll OAM, Teresa Tran OAM and Hong Phong Le OAM.
The Illawarra Region’s Convenor Phil Thompson OAM welcomed everyone and congratulated the new awardees.
Several members of the NSW Branch were present to offer their congratulations. NSW Branch Chair Dr John Gullotta AM and his wife, Mara, NSW Branch Treasurer Louise Paisley OAM and her husband, Peter, and NSW Branch Committee Member Trish Wetton OAM. Also present were David North OAM who is on the National Board, is the NSW Branch Regional Co-Ordinator as well as being the Treasurer for the Illawarra Region. Dianne North OAM, the OAA NSW Branch Secretary is also the Illawarra Region’s event co-ordinator.
Dr John Gullotta AM congratulated the three new awardees and invited them to attend the National Conference to be held in Sydney in May. John gave an overview of the conference with its many events such as the Welcome ceremony at Government House and Farewell lunch on board the HMAS Canberra, great guest speakers and the promise of great food at the Sofitel Wentworth.
The three new awardees are Phillip Driscoll OAM who received his award for his services to sport through his medical roles. Phil is a local legend in the Illawarra when it comes to professional sport such as with the Illawarra Hawks where he has been for over 40 years, and the St George Illawarra Dragons where he has been a trainer since 1999. Phil also volunteered at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 in sports medicine. Teresa Tran OAM and her husband Hong Phong Le OAM received their awards for their dedicated service to the Vietnamese community in Australia. They came to Australia as refugees over thirty years ago and continue to work to strengthen their cultural connections and support war veterans and widows in their community.
All present enjoyed a delicious High Tea. A more formal luncheon will be held in May after these new awardees receive their medals from the NSW Governor at Government House.
NORTHERN BEACHES SYDEY Morning Tea 19th February 2025
On Wednesday morning 19th February, 11 people gathered at the Mona Vale RSL Club to congratulate two residents of the Northern Beaches who received honours in the Australia Day awards, Deborah Killelea AM and Lisa Blair OAM.
Deborah Killelea AM received her award for her service to the community through charitable foundations. Deborah trained as a nurse and then founded the Be Centre in 2008. The Be Centre has an experienced team of Play Therapists as well as an Art psychotherapist and a Parent Counsellor to help young people suffering mental health issues. Deborah is also a founding member of Green Cross Australia.
Lisa Blair OAM received her award for service to sailing. Lisa is the owner and skipper of “Climate Action Now”. Lisa has participated in Sydney Hobart yacht races and in 2017 she was part of the first all female team. Lisa has also sailed in Melbourn Hobart yacht races and the Round the World Yacht Race. Among many other achievements Lisa was the first person to sail solo, non-stop, unassisted around Australia in 2018 and Antarctica in 2022. Lisa is a partner of the Australian Institute of Marine Science and Integrated Marine Observing System and on her sailing trips collects data for the Bureau of Meteorology. Lisa is the author of the book, “Facing Fear”.
Congratulations must go to Roberta Conroy OAM who is trying to get this Regional Group up and running. Ready to assist Roberta are Chris and Gail Dunn OAMs. Both were previously on the OAA NSW Committee. The OAA NSW Branch Regional Co-Ordinator, David North OAM attended and encouraged the group to keep meeting. The President of the RSL Club, Leigh Arnold, was present and said the Club would do all it could to assist. The small group were served a delicious morning tea of sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee while enjoying a great chat around the table.
OAA DUBBO REGION LUNCH 19 OCTOBER 2024
On Saturday 19th October 72 people attended a luncheon at Dubbo RSL Memorial Club to congratulate the 2024 Australia Day and King’s Birthday awardees. Many had travelled for four hours or more to attend. They came from as far away as Louth, Cobar, Nyngan and Gilgandra.
Guests arrived to hear the beautiful piano music being played by Paul Young, the Director of the Macquarie Conservatorium.
The Regional Convenor, Ruth Shanks AM welcomed everyone.
OAA NSW Branch Regional Co-Ordinator David North OAM brought news from both the National and the NSW Committees. David then congratulated and recognised the 2024 awardees present.
Sue-Ellen Lovett OAM, a blind dressage competitor and Paralympian, represented Australia in Atlanta, 1996, and Sydney, 2000. Sue-Ellen received her award on Australia Day for her fundraising activities and her service to horse sports.
Ellen Stanmore OAM received her award on Australia Day for her decades of helping the community, particularly the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Jennifer Armstrong OAM received her award for her service to the Dubbo community including Dubbo Hospital and the St John’s Ambulance.
After a delicious lunch was served, guests were treated to a very entertaining presentation from Paralympian Sue-Ellen Lovett OAM. Sue-Ellen hails from Mudgee and told the story of her long distance horse riding. In 1997 she rode from Melbourne to Sydney to raise money for the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. In 2018 she rode more than 800km all around the Central West area to raise funds for the oncology unit at Dubbo Hospital. She raised $80,000 on that ride. Sue-Ellen is an author and has written several books, including “The Blind Chick”. Sue-Ellen took many questions from the audience and had everyone enthralled.
One notable person present was the very youthful Ruby Riach OAM who is still very active at 98 years of age. She has some wonderful stories to tell of her time as OAA NSW Branch Secretary, and her many years on the Dubbo Committee.
Many people attending expressed interest in attending the National Conference in Sydney in May 2025.
OAA MANNING- GREAT LAKES MORNING TEA 17th OCTOBER 2024
On Thursday 17th October the newly reformed Manning – Great Lakes Region held a morning tea at Tuncurry War Memorial Hall to congratulate the 2024 Australia Day and King’s Birthday recipients of the region. This group had not held a function since before COVID, but with thanks to the dynamic duo of Leigh Vaughan OAM and Helen Bryan OAM, this morning tea was a great success with 29 people attending to congratulate two of the region’s new awardees, Ron Irwin OAM and Dr Anne Knight OAM. Ron received his OAM for his service and dedication to veterans and sports associations over many years. Particular mention was made of all the work he did during the Nyngan floods some years ago. Anne, who is a Senior Lecturer in Medicine at Newcastle University, received her OAM for the many health roles in which she is involved, such as being a Consultant Physician and a Senior Specialist Physician.
NSW Regional Co-Ordinator David North OAM and NSW Hon. Secretary Dianne North OAM attended this inaugural function on behalf of the OAA NSW Branch to add to the congratulations.
The delicious morning tea was catered by the local Palliative Care Support Group who are raising funds for palliative patients in the Forster-Tuncurry area.
The main topic of conversation was how to revive the committee and get functions happening again in the region. Leigh Vaughan OAM has agreed to be the Convenor and Helen Bryan has agreed to take on the role of Secretary/Treasurer. A number of people present agreed to assist them on the committee.
A number of people also expressed interest in travelling to Sydney next May for the National Conference.
HASTINGS MACLEAY REGIONAL GROUP
Hastings/Macleay Branch Coffee Connect
Hello Members and Guests.
Thank you all for joining us for our get-together on Monday, and congratulations again to our new OAM recipients Noel Hiffernan, Gordon Gray and Paul Pollett.
Attached and embedded is the photo taken of our happy group. Looking forward to our next gathering.
L to R – Laurie Smith, Patricia Johnson, Vicki Hanks, Tony Hanks, Barbara Smith (sitting), Paul Pollett, Suzanne Pollett, Bill Secombe (sitting), Gordon Gray, Jeannette Rainbow,
Winnifred Secombe (sitting), Virginia Cox, Grae Cox and another Winnifred who is assisting Noel Hiffernan (sitting)
HUNTER REGION
Cardiff RSL Club, 2 March 2024
Photo of recipients of Order of Australia awards who attended an Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group function for the first time with an attendance of 112 .
Rear – Margaret Covi OAM, Ronald Hacker OAM.
Middle Row – Jenny Gore AM, Jennifer Barnes OAM, Rodney Barnes OAM, Bill Willis OAM, De-Anne Douglas OAM, Elizabeth Grist AM, Kylie Facer OAM.
Front – Lucia Wilcox OAM, Babara Whitcher OAM, Winsome Lambkin OAM, Louise Buxton OAM.
We received the email below from a lady who regularly attends our Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group functions. I think that she sums up the general feed back which we have received. “Dear Peter and ALL your marvellous OAA Hunter Regional Committee. A huge thanks to you all for a lovely Morning Tea this morning. Thanks too, to the lovely ladies that help and support the committee. As always, the whole event is conducted with great aplomb, with obviously an enormous amount of organisation from you all which makes it all work so very well and flow so beautifully.
Our guest speakers are always something special, but today’s speaker was truly remarkable. What a great human being, who certainly serves to the utmost, and lives his life of service with his faith foremost, to help, over and above the call, to aid all who come across his path and those who share his life and work. We will long remember, with huge admiration, Gary Raymond APM OAM, and hope his example will become a blueprint for all who meet him.”
Gary Raymond APM OAM
It is lovely to be able to welcome the new awardees – most are previously names or at least the odd photo in the newspapers. It is always lovely to see them & let them know they have become part of a very special family and to make them welcome to our group.
Thanks, also to the Cardiff RSL Club who are so wonderfully hospitable, and accommodating of every need, big or small. Every warm good wish and our hearty thanks to you all.
ILLAWARRA MORNING TEA
WELCOME TO NEW RECIPIENTS
On Saturday morning the Illawarra Regional group held their welcome morning tea for the new recipients from the Australia Day 2024 awards.
A morning tea was hosted by the Illawarra Regional OAM Association to welcome the newest recipients and to introduce them to their counterparts in the region. Representatives from the NSW OAM Association, Mr Jim Meins AM and Mr John Gulotta AM joined Illawarra Deputy Convenor Mr Bill Dowson OAM in congratulating (L-R) Sarah Neill AM, David Stanton OAM, Wayne Morris OAM, Professor Buddhima Indraratna AM and Valda Brunker OAM (seated)
HASTINGS REGION
Members and Guests,
What a pleasure it was to share a delightful luncheon and mateship with the good-looking group of people in the photo below.
It was a pleasure having two members from the Manning Branch come all the way from Forster, great to see you Wendy Borchers AM and Helen Bryan OAM.
Thank you Virginia Cox OAM and husband Grae, for running the Christmas games. Fun was had by all even though no cheating was allowed!
Patricia Johnson OAM and my lovely wife Barbara, thank you for your organisational skills in meeting and greeting everybody, you made things flow so well.
To the staff at Port City Bowling Club, we can’t thank you enough for the lovely Christmas theme set-up of the room. Also, Rose, Kate and Elly, you are an absolute asset to Port City Bowling Club.
Thank you to Emeritus Professor Gail Whiteford AM (accompanied by Husband Harry) for giving our Acknowledgment to Country and for outlining her contribution to society culminating in her receiving the Australia Medal.
We hope that everyone, including those who could not attend, have a joyous and safe December and January before we catch up again in the New Year.
Regards
Laurie Smith OAM
0416 221 147
[email protected]
PO Box 1891
CENTRAL WEST REGIONAL GROUP
The Central West Regional Group of the Order of Australia Association enjoyed a High Tea at Abercrombie House in Bathurst on Sunday 15 October.
Abercrombie House was built in the 1870s by the Stewart family who were Bathurst pioneers. The house is considered to be of extreme historical significance. It is listed on the National Trust Register and is described as an outstanding example of Victorian Tudor style architecture. It is now owned by the Morgan family who hosted the group and served a delicious high tea.
The afternoon began with the Annual General meeting of Central West Regional Group of the Order of Australia Association followed by presentations by
Elizabeth Zachulski OAM and Marie Billington OAM on their works which were recognised by the award of the OAM.
Chris Morgan then gave a most interesting talk on some of the history and legends of Abercrombie House including describing how he and his wife Xanthe pasted thousands of little sheets of gold leaf on the ceiling of the ballroom to make it the stunning feature that it now is.
Following afternoon tea Christopher conducted a tour of the house.
The committee of the Central West Regional Group of the Order of Australia Association together with Jim Mein, NSW Branch Chairman, Order of Australia Association and Chris Morgan, owner of Abercrombie House.
Chair: Mary Brell, Treasurer: Kate Baxter, Secretary: Monica Morse,
Committee: Elizabeth Zachulski, Marie Billington, Nikki Kiss
DUBBO REGIONAL LUNCHEON
14 OCTOBER DUBBO RSL CLUB
Australian Honours recipients from the Dubbo region who attended the luncheon.
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The Regional Convenor Ruth Shanks AM making a special presentation to Ms. Ruby Riach OAM for the many years of service to the Regional Committee. Ms Riach is an amazing and indefatigable 96-year-old stalwart, who has previously been honoured by the Australian National Museum of Education. |
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Dubbo Region secretary Marie Knight OAM and Jennifer Cowley OAM presenting Steve Hinks with a thank you gift. Steve Hinks is the Director of Taronga Western Plains Zoo and was the guest speaker at the Dubbo Regional Luncheon held at the Dubbo RSL Club. Mr Hinks has been with the Taronga Western Plains Zoo since 20017 and brings 17 years of experience in the tourism industry, gained at some of Sydney’s best-known attractions. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is an iconic Zoo that plays a pivotal role in regional tourism. Likewise, it plays a major role in national and international animal conservation and breeding programs. |
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Ruth Shanks AM, Graham Neville, Dianne Neville OAM, David North OAM and Dianne North OAM. David North NSW Branch Director and Dianne North from the NSW Branch attended the luncheon due to the sudden illness of Chris Dunne OAM, Regional Coordinator and Gail Dunne OAM Treasurer NSW Branch. David spoke about the NSW Branch National objectives for the future. |
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Regional Convenor Ruth Shanks AM making a special presentation to Wally Flynn OAM for his many years of service to the Regional Committee. He has prepared information packs for organisations such as Probus, CWA and Rotary to assist them with their nominations. He has local politicians onside and they help him with the distribution of the information packs. |
Attendees enjoying the luncheon. |
Jessie Quigley OAM, Ruth Shanks AM and Kath Readford OAM |
HASTINGS MCLEAY REGIONAL COMMITTEE
Tuesday 10th October 2023
Hastings McLeay new Committee L-R
Virginia Cox OAM, Arthur Roberts, Margaret Roberts OAM, Patricia Johnson OAM, Laurie Smith OAM, Wayne Evans OAM, Tony Hanks OAM, Vicki Hanks, and Jeannette Rainbow OAM
SHOALHAVEN REGION
HIGH TEA FUNCTION
Dianne North OAM, Libby Davies AM, David North OAM, Ron Gibb OAM
There were around 40 people at the high tea function arranged by Ron Gibb OAM and the Shoalhaven Regional committee. There were also two people representing the local council. The high tea provided by the Country Women’s Association in Nowra was delicious. People loved the assortment of hot savoury, sandwiches and cakes served with tea and coffee.
The guest speaker was Libby Davies AM, who was CEO of White Ribbon, but is currently on the Board of Countries Universities Centre which is in Ulladulla. Her presentation was very well received.
David North spoke a few words about what is happening at State and National level of the Order of Australia Association. He also spoke about the NSW Branch committees’ arranging of the National Conference in Sydney for 2025.
CLARENCE RICHMOND REGION
LUNCHEON
The Clarence Richmond region held a luncheon at the Alstonville Bowling Club on Sunday 10 September 2023 where over 30 members and their guests enjoyed great food and company.
The guest speaker for the luncheon was Mr. Colin Lee OAM, who gave a live update on the impact of the North Coast floods, which are continuing to have drastic effects on families, landowners, and multiple communities in the region. More than 18 months after the devastating floods 52% of flood victims are still living in shells of homes that were flooded; 26% are still living in temporary accommodation such as caravans, sheds, or pods, or with family and or friends; 18% are still living in insecure accommodation such as tents or temporary rentals or in cars; 4% are no longer living in the area.
Many families will not be able to return to their homes, many buildings have no insulation and often, no walls. As Mr Lee explains, ‘We came across a product called Rapid Response Housing, which is a collapsible box house. It’s a very strong, well made, insulated single room which we fit out with a kitchenette. Some have showers and hot water systems. We fit those out to accommodate people for their sleeping and living quarters.’ These ‘RotaUnits’ can be installed in backyards, under houses, or in free standing locations in rural areas. People can use the units as a base while they complete repairs to their houses nearby, and maintain connections and jobs within their local communities.
The incidence of family violence and breakups, outbreaks of violence and suicide, children living in split families and often without adequate housing, are reported as higher in the North Coast area than in any other area across NSW, all attributable to the floods of February 2022.
The Convenor, Mr. Grahame Gooding OAM, also the secretary of the Far North Coast Legacy Club, has been a uniting figure in the Region, and one who continues to make a huge difference to his local community in many ways. At the completion of the luncheon Grahame held a general committee meeting where all members of the committee again volunteered to continue as members of the committee as follows:
Mr. Grahame Gooding OAM Convenor; Mrs. Robyn Spruce OAM, Mr. John Barnes OAM, Mrs. Helen Hargreaves AM and MR Phil Chapman OAM as committee members.
Grahame Gooding OAM – John Barnes OAM – Col Lee OAM
Julie Lee OAM – Col Lee OAM – Stephanie Gooding
A landscape view of the attendees at the Clarence Richmond Luncheon
FAR SOUTH COAST REGION
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Jan Phillips and MC Peter Atkinson welcomed everyone to the Far South Coast afternoon tea held on August 22 in Bega. Among the attendees were two newly awarded members in the King’s Birthday Honours List, Miss Pam Hamory OAM and Mr. Frank Davey OAM |
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Jenny Munro AM, Judy Glover, John Glover OAM, Kris Macauley AM and Col Macauley
Miss Pamela Hamory AM with her friends, Teresa Warburton and Penny Young
Peter Atkinson OAM, Mary Arkinson OAM, Rod Parker AM and in the foreground R-L Dr Graham Garner AM and Mrs Garner
A panoramic view of the afternoon tea party.
HUNTER REGIONAL GROUP – MORNING TEA SATURDAY 26 AUGUST 2023
The Hunter Regional Group held a wonderful morning tea at the Cardiff RSL Club on Saturday 26th August 2023 with 82 members and guests enjoying the occasion.
Attending a Hunter Regional Group function for the first time were six recent awardees: –
Mr. Ken White OAM, Mr. John Dunnet OAM, Dr Rosemary Hackworthy OAM,
Mrs. Patricia McMahon OAM, Mrs. Margaret Wood OAM and Mrs. Rhonda Scruton OAM.
The guest speaker at the morning’s tea was Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO FAHMS FNSA FRSN FDA, who spoke at length on her journey into food and nutrition research and health practice. She has also written a book called Cook’s Tour.
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Laureate Professor Clare Collins is a Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Director of Research in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle, and Director of Hunter Medical Research Institute, Food and Nutrition Program. Laureate Professor Collins has made major contributions to our knowledge on the impact of improving diet quality and food patterns on health and wellbeing outcomes. She is also a well-known and highly sought after nutrition media commentator, with thousands of media interviews for radio, print, blogs and TV under her belt. She is a regular guest of Dr Karl on ABC, Triple J Science Hour and Shirt Loads of Science. In 2018 she was a presenter for Catalyst and appeared on Ask The Doctor. |
Mr. Charlie Stevens OAM acknowledging Professor Geoffrey Kellerman AO for his outstanding service to the Order of Australia Hunter Regional Group. Geoffrey was a member of the committee from 1999 to 2022 including many years as Treasurer.
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John Lovett OAM and Dawn Lovett OAM
Barbara and Laurie Kelly AM RFD ED – past Convenor of the Hunter Regional Group
Jack McNaughton OAM with his wife, Judy
Glenice Hanley and Barbara Stevens who welcomed all on arrival.
NEW ENGLAND & NORTH -WEST REGIONAL GROUP
Some 28 members of the region attended a Luncheon at the Town & Country Club, Frome Street, Moree on Saturday 19 August 2023 for fellowship and to recognise the award of an AM to Secretary Roger Butler and the OAM to Don Murchie, Dr Diana Coote and Dr Clem Gordon.
NSW Branch Chairman Jim Mein AM and his wife Gill travelled from Sydney to join the luncheon and offer “Parting Thoughts”.
In attendance also were Dick Estens AO (of the Estens Telstra enquiry and founder of Aboriginal Employment Strategy Limited) and his daughter Sascha (she was the founder of Rabbit Hop Films) as guest speaker for the occasion, tracing her and her company’s history with extracts from fascinating film that she had produced.
There were a large number of apologies, some due to distance, others from members who had departed the region, but most for health reasons.
The pictures attached are of Sascha Estens, addressing the gathering, Gill and Jim Mein AM on the left of the other picture and Dick Estens AO on the right having just filmed Sascha.
ILLAWARRA REGION MORNING TEA
On Friday 11th August the Illawarra Region held their newly formed morning tea event which was attended by three new awardees from the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2023.
Phil Thompson OAM, Convenor Illawarra, photographed with Arthur Booth OAM, Alan Leaver OAM, and Geoff Phillips OAM at the morning tea.
Phil introduced the new members and invited them to stand with him at the front to applause from the audience. The King’s Birthday Investitures will be held in September 2023. Phil Thompson asked the audience to recount their reactions on receiving the letter from Government House, Canberra, and one member recounted that an email they also received may have been a scam which one did not open for a few weeks.
The guest speaker at the morning tea, Val Fell OAM, spoke about the Council of Elders. She spoke about the Aged Care Council of Elders who are a group of older Australians with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Their aim is to help shape the aged care system by informing older people about the aged care reforms and providing advice to the Government about aged care reform and ageing well. To obtain more information on the Aged Care Council of Elders look up AgedCareEngagement.health.gov.au or 02 62898769.
Val Fell OAM
HASTINGS MACLEAY LUNCHEON
On Thursday 3rd August 2023 the Hastings/Macleay Branch had a very successful luncheon which included the local Retired Police Officers Association.
Our guest speaker was Retired Police Superintendant Deb Wallace, who was also guest speaker at the State Branch AGM in April 2022.
Above is a photo of all who attended
It was a most enjoyable presentation which included Deb’s great sense of humour. As it happened, one of our retired police officers attending was a boss in Deb’s early career, and she joked that her presentation had to keep “on track”! All in all, it was a very enjoyable get together, and Deb took the opportunity to sit around and chat with those of us who could ‘linger a little longer’.
Laurie Smith
Hastings Macleay Regional Convenor
Southern Highlands Group News 20 July 2023
Our local committee has been working on some suggestions and activities which we trust will underpin some intentional ‘marketing’ of the Order of Australia in the Southern Highlands. We would love to share this information with you and our first opportunity will be at the
HAPPY HOUR @ THE IMPERIAL HOTEL
Wednesday 26 July 2023 — 5.00pm – 7.00pm
This is an informal gathering for members to catch up with others as it has been a while since our October 2022 gathering.
Partners are welcome. Drinks/Food at own expense.
Numbers are limited, so please reserve your spot by RSVP to email: [email protected]
We would love to see you there!
Save the Date Invitations…
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS 2023
Friday 13 October @ Mittagong RSL. 3.30pm for 4.00pm – 6.00pm.
There will be a Guest Speaker. More details to follow…
Annual Braille Music Concert…
This was an awe-inspiring event and one which our local group has supported financially for many years. Congratulations to Roma Dix OAM for her organisation of the annual music camp and concert for the last thirty years. An amazing committment!
We look forward to meeting up with you at our planned gatherings.
If you have any suggestions for future events and/or inspirational Guest Speakers, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sharon Hoogland OAM, Chairperson SHG
email: [email protected]