Electronic newsletter from The Order of Australia Association, Western Australian Branch, March 2026 edition.

[email protected] P.O Box 193, Kingsway WA 6065

Welcome to the first e-newsletter of 2026. And a warm welcome to our new Association members.

In the recent Australia Day Order of Australia Awards, 67 Western Australians received an award for their services to the community. Such services were and continue to be diverse in nature, but all play a part in making Australia a better and stronger nation – which is what the awards are about! Congratulations to all new recipients (and members) and we look for seeing you at future events, and of course, receiving feedback and ideas from you.

On February 25 we held our AGM. This year we decided on a different format – AGM to be held at the RAAFA Estate Bull Creek, followed by a guest speaker – Richard Offen. Feedback has been very positive about this format, but navigating the traffic to RAAFA for a 6.30 start I must admit is problematic. We will take this into account when organising events at this time of the day.

To provide greater access to those who could not attend, particularly our regional members, we have videoed Richard’s talk and shortly it will be placed on the web. The assistance of our friends and partners, U3A, in videoing the talk, is greatly appreciated.

One of the main functions of an AGM Is ensuring that the governance requirements of the Branch, including reporting and elections, are met. A copy of the 2025 Chair’s report presented to the AGM is attached. You can see from this that it was a busy year, with 10 events held and close to 1200 people attending or connecting via one-to-one meetings at the events (such as the Governor’s Open Day at Government House). That is a remarkable achievement and shows that our events are interesting and varied. The 2026 Calendar has just been finalised (and is included in this email) and three of the features are a Gilbert& Sullivan evening at St Louis estate, “coffee and talk” mornings and a visit to Professor Kingsley Dixon’s Waroona Garden. Invitations to specific events will be sent with required RSVP details included.

The AGM also saw the election of a new Branch Committee member – Ms Debbie Karasinski AM. The following is an extract from her nomination bio and it conveys an insight into Debbie’s extensive experience in community and committee work.

“ Debbie has worked in the health, disability, aged care and mental health sectors in Western Australia for over 40 years. This experience has been within the not for profit, corporate and government environments and has included service delivery, policy development and governance.

Debbie Karasinski’s experience has included being the inaugural Chair of the Child and Adolescent Health Service Board; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of disability service provider, Senses Australia; CEO of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA, and Chief Occupational Therapist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. “

“Debbie’s Board experience includes the National Disability Services Board; the WA Disability Services Commission Board; the Taxi Industry Board. She continues her contribution to the West Australian community as a current member of the Perth Clinic Board and the Chorus Board.

Debbie Karasinski holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Applied Science, was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2000 for her contribution to people with multiple sclerosis, and received a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her contribution to people with disability and the West Australian community.”

Welcome Debbie!!

Bettine Heathcote was also elected to the Committee as events coordinator and Clive Robartson re-elected as Branch National Director. A copy of my report is attached.

My sincere thanks go to Jackie Barnwell and Ron Louis who have respectively retired or resigned from the Committee. Your contribution has been outstanding.

As always, regards

Judy Hogben AM,

WA Branch Chair

Calendar of events for 2026

OAAWA NEWSLETTER JAN 2026

Occasional electronic newsletter from The Order of Australia Association, Western Australian Branch

Judy Hogben AM
Branch Chair

Chair’s Report

The end of spring and start of summer always herald a time for reflection and reset, along with the opportunity to incorporate this thinking into planning for the new year. So it has been for the WA Branch of the Order of Australia Association.

Analysis of the national survey, together with the need to develop the Branch business plan and budget for the forthcoming year, provided an ideal backdrop for reflection and the development of future directions. A special report on the survey results for the WA Branch has been distributed to members, and members are encouraged to refer to this document for more detailed feedback.

One of the central findings was that a diverse range of events and offerings—both formal and informal—would be most welcomed. In response, the WA Branch held its first Sundowner, featuring Professor Kingsley Dixon AO FTSE as keynote speaker. This event was a wonderful success, and further sundowners and events at varying times of the day will be organised.

There is no doubt that more formal events, such as our Annual Dinner, remain highly anticipated and successful. The combination of socialising, a keynote speaker, excellent food, and a great venue continues to produce a much-anticipated highlight in our calendar. This year’s keynote speaker was the State Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, who delivered a fascinating address incorporating personal insights and highlighting the importance of ongoing commitment to service.

Regional Engagement

The importance of regional events and the connections they enable was also highlighted during the year. The recent South West–organised lunch in Busselton attracted more than 70 attendees at the newly completed Hilton Gardens Hotel. It was a wonderful occasion, marked by an atmosphere of warmth and friendship.

Regional events are often challenging for volunteers to organise, and the vast distances across Western Australia should not be a barrier to collegiality. The WA Branch business plan highlights that ongoing support for regional activities, where appropriate, is planned.

Police Patron’s Cadets’ Scheme

The Police Patron’s Cadets’ Lunch for patrons was held on 14 November. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Police Patron’s Scheme, a signature program of the WA Branch. While attendance at the lunch was limited to patrons, it provided a fitting celebration of the cadets’ achievements, the contribution of patrons, and the ongoing value of the scheme.

New volunteers are always welcome as patrons.
For enquiries, please contact:
Michael Bleus
📞 0450 603 643
✉️ [email protected]

Community and Cultural Engagement

Reflecting the diversity of our membership, Branch members were delighted to join the Perth Hebrew Congregation for a social and faith-based event, including dinner, in November. It was a wonderful gathering attended by many members.

Numerous photographs were taken during the evening. Members wishing to obtain copies may contact:

• Jackie Scurlock – [email protected]
• Ron Louis – [email protected]

Looking Ahead

The Branch calendar will continue to incorporate events that reflect both the diversity of our membership and the wider civil society.

The forthcoming Christmas Lunch on Wednesday, 3 December, at the Fremantle Sailing Club, will bring the Branch’s activities for 2025 to a close.

Regional Events

South West Region

South West Order of Australia Lunch – 17 October 2025

Overlooking Geographe Bay from the fourth floor of the new Hilton Gardens Hotel on the Busselton Foreshore, 70 members and friends enjoyed a memorable lunch. Guests were welcomed by Ellie Stewart-Dodd, Hospitality Manager. Barry House AM spoke on the history of the area, and Mayor Phil Cronin outlined the significant developments underway in the region.

These include upgrades to Busselton Airport, increased tourism, visits by 21 cruise ships, strong utilisation of the Performing Arts Centre, and ongoing plans for sport and recreation. The stunning views over Geographe Bay provided a perfect backdrop for a delicious buffet lunch enjoyed by all.

Great Southern Region

The Great Southern Albany lunch was not held this year. Local members’ views on options for 2026 will be canvassed.

Closing Remarks

I sincerely thank all members for joining us throughout the year in celebrating the achievements and contributions of outstanding Australians and Western Australians. On behalf of the Branch Committee, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and a happy festive season.

OAAWA NEWSLETTER JUNE 2025

Occasional electronic newsletter from The Order of Australia Association, Western Australian Branch

2025 – celebrating 50 years since the inauguration of The Order of Australia and 45 years since of commencement of the Order of Australia Association.

[email protected]– Secretary – PO Box 193 Kingsway 6065 for correspondence and for any financial correspondence, the Treasurer: P O Box 477, West Perth WA 6872

Telephone: Hon. Sec. Margaret Lobo 0418 865 313

Number 2 of 2025

Welcome to the June edition of our e-newsletter. Also welcome ‘back to active duties’ our Branch Secretary, Margaret Lobo, who has been both in hospital and rehab for some significant time as she recovered from a fall and associated injuries. It’s good to see you recovering so well Margaret.

First up is an overview of our upcoming events.

Calendar of events for the rest of the year

Branch news:

What is happening:

1. Order of Australia Association Merchandise

In line with a national initiative, the WA Branch will no longer be holding a stock of merchandise but rather will have a sample of all current stock to show at our various functions.  Members will be able to see a sample of these items before placing an order online (see back of ‘The Order’ magazine).

We are holding a “clearance sale” at reduced prices of the stock we currently have on hand – see list below.  If any of these items are of interest to you, please contact Lynne Cohen on 0417 956 607.  Any stock not previously sold will be available at the Reception to be held in August.

2. Survey

Our national body, the Order of Australia Association, is working with all States and Jurisdictions to organise a short survey ( 5-10 minutes only) to inform future planning; strengthen member engagement; and ensure activities reflect the diversity of our members. The WA Branch will add a couple of its own questions so as a Branch we are better able to tailor events and membership benefits to meet your needs. We hope to have the survey out within the next few months. We will keep you informed on how this is progressing.

What has been happening in the Branch:

1. ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is always such a significant day within the Order and its members. And indeed, within all of Australia. After the Dawn Service in Kings Park, the grounds of Government House were the venue for an RSL organised and Rotary sponsored “Gunfire breakfast” for hundreds of representatives and invitees from community and service groups.

1. Government House Open Day 12.4.25

Government House hosts open days twice a year to enable members of the public to visit the grounds and walk through the House. As well, organisations such as ours are invited to have a ‘table’ to promote our group and in our case, encourage people to nominate deserving individuals for an award under the Order of Australia. Our new bookmarks that celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Order and the 45th anniversary of the Association were a great hit with the 200 or more visitors we had to our table. So was fat cat!!

SYDNEY CONFERENCE REPORT

The Sydney national Conference 1-4 May was a magnificent success. The Conference had the theme: Celebrate | Motivate| Nominate, with the tag line “Inspiring Australian achievers”. The program did exactly that, featuring:

• An oration from General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd);
• an inspiring and fascinating keynote from Dr Jordan Nguyen, a leading Australian engineer, inventor and innovator, focusing on technologies (including robotic) to transform the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly; and
• a panel discussion between Deborah Wallace APM and Martha Jabour OAM on the overlap between victims, victim support and crime, including biker crime. It was a fascinating discussion on the power and importance of victim/family support and the role police and special task forces play in investigating/fighting crime.

There were so many more talks that I could highlight as to be honest there wasn’t a ‘dud’. Certainly well done program organisers!

In addition to the talks, the program featured special musical highlights, including an hour’s performance with guest artists Gaetano Bonfante (tenor)and Clarissa Spata (Soprano), both Opera Australia stars and internationally acclaimed performers. They were amazing.

A festive Choral Evensong organised at St James to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Order of Australia was also special. The recently installed organ, played by Marko Sever and the Choir of St James supported the Rector, the Reverand Christopher Waterhouse, who led an evensong of prayer and musical magic.

It is not every conference that can say that a welcome to the Conference over drinks and canapes on the lawn at Government House was not the absolute highlight! But this was the case in Sydney as the afternoon on the HMAS Adelaide, hosted by Rear Admiral Christopher Smith AM CSM RAN, Commander of the Australian fleet, was for me, definitely an unexpected highlight. It was a privilege to hear the honest and sometimes raw insight into both the hard and soft diplomacy and work of the ship/navy given by Commander Smith. Thank you Commander and thank you to his crew and fleet.

I have included at the end of the newsletter a few photos taken at the Conference and on behalf of the 23 Western Australians who attended the Conference, thank you Sydney!! To Brisbane, the hosts of the 2026 Conference – you have a hard act to follow!!

On behalf of the WA Branch I thank you for your ongoing contribution to the WA community and I look forward to seeing you at our next function.

Judy Hogben AM Chair