Western Australia
Electronic newsletter from The Order of Australia Association, Western Australian Branch, September-October 2026 edition.
[email protected]
P.O Box 193, Kingsway WA 6065
Welcome to the fifth e-newsletter of 2026.
I hope that this e-newsletter finds you well. I ask this from a personal perspective as I am recovering from a bout of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Even though I had received my Vax, it still had an impact on me. So please take care of yourselves including appropriate preventative measures. The timing of my RSV bout couldn’t have been worse, overlapping three days of investitures at Government House and of course, the Annual Dinner on 16 September. But on the very positive side it has highlighted what I’m sure you know, that the WA Branch is a very strong, collaborative and capable group and the way that they stepped up and not only covered my absence but made things “sparkle” was a joy to see. Thank you Branch members and a particular thanks to Bettine for making the Annual dinner such a great success. More on that later in the newsletter.
We are working hard to progress the two major initiatives mentioned in our last newsletter –
Better communications including posting a video of our committee and relevant events on our webpage. We have made significant progress on the development of our OAAWA Student Citizenship Award Program. As I said in our last newsletter, there are a lot of steps to be taken in a short timeframe, but we are working hard and fast on this. Initial feedback on the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. We are particularly keen to ensure that regional schools and students are fully included and supported. This project and team is being led by Committee member Debbie Karasinski and once again I acknowledge and thank both Deb and her team. We will keep you informed of progress.
COMING ELECTIONS
Our fantastic Secretary, Margaret Lobo, will be retiring at the end of her term (February 2027) and we seek nominations via the forthcoming election process from an enthusiastic and computer skilled member to become the Branch’s Secretary. Please consider joining the team as you will find it rewarding – and you are needed!!
RECENT EVENTS
14 August, 25th Anniversary celebration of Police Patron’s Scheme at Police Academy Joondalup. Members of the Branch who had been Patrons to three or more Squads undergoing training at the Academy were joined by senior staff from the Academy as well as a representative of the WA Police Commissioner for a morning tea and presentation of a plaque to commemorate this milestone. As a signature program of the WA Branch we are very proud to achieve 25 years of involvement with the WA Police Academy.
16 September, annual black tie dinner at the Royal Perth Golf Club. This was a great success and our guest Speaker – Dr Andy Robertson CSC, PSM address was very well received and applauded. A copy of his address is attached (with his permission of course!). We were also privileged to have a musical performance from a quartet (pictured below) arranged by Dr Margaret Pride and a snippet of their performance is included in the video (courtesy of Rebecca Tolstoy) which will shortly be on the Branch’s webpage.
ANNUAL DINNER AT ROYAL PERTH GOLF CLUB
(Club photos courtesy of the Club’s webpage)
HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE CHRIS DAWSON AC APM & JACK LA CRAS OAM, who celebrated his 100th birthday earlier in the week.
MICHAEL LEE OAM & CLAIRE BRITTAIN OAM enjoying the evening
CLIVE ROBARTSON OAM, giving a toast to the OAA
GUEST SPEAKER DR ANDY ROBERTSON CSC PSM AND JOHN GARLAND AM
THE MUSICAL QUARTET OF:
KATHRYN LEE
JASMINE SKINNER
BEN CADDY
NOELEEN WRIGHT
21 September. The City of Mandurah, Mayor, Amber Kearns and Councillors, hosted a civic reception for members and partners of the Peel group, and featured recent recipients of an OAA Award the Honourable David Templeman AM and Mr Trevor Howard OAM. It was a great afternoon and once again showed how connected Peel and the City of Mandurah are to their community and service. Thank you Peel!
Branch Chair, Judy Hogben AM, Hon David Templeman AM, Mayor Amber Kearns
FORTHCOMING WA BRANCH EVENTS
16 October, South West Region’s Annual lunch to be held in Harvey.
SPECIAL EVENT: Our Police Mentoring Coordinator, Michael Bleus OAM has confirmed arrangements with the Police Academy for 20 people to visit on Wednesday 21st October. This will coincide with a Dress Rehearsal for the Graduation Ceremony which will include the recruits, horses, motorbikes and the WA Police band and is quite spectacular. In addition, they will be given a tour of the Academy. This is definitely a “first in best dressed” opportunity for just 20 people so if interested, please respond to Michael. Michael’s email is: [email protected]
Location: Police Academy 81 Lakeside Drive Joondalup.
Time: 10.45am for 11.00am
Parking is a premium, so car pooling is suggested. The Academy will arrange a number of parking spots on the day.
7th November Great Southern Annual event. A different approach this year with a gathering at the Whaling Station for a talk “From Derelict to Iconic” by Peter Snow OAM, a conducted tour and lunch at the Whaling Station. Further details to come.
Last e-newsletter featured the upcoming Handel’s Messiah (15 November) block booking and the need to reserve our booking. Thanks to the enthusiastic response this was fully booked and is now closed. Thank you for your interest in the variety of events that we offer.
Date holder: Christmas Lunch: 3 December at the Fremantle Sailing Club. More details to come.
As always, regards, stay connected and thanks for your ongoing support,
Judy
Judy Hogben AM, WA Branch Chair
Electronic newsletter from The Order of Australia Association, Western Australian Branch, August- September 2026 edition.
[email protected]
P.O Box 193, Kingsway WA 6065
Welcome to the fourth e-newsletter of 2026.
The worst of winter is over and with the promise of spring comes new initiatives and events, including the ones that the WA Branch are developing/enacting. Details of two special ones follow:
The Branch has been considering how best to communicate with you, our members and of course, to attract new members. One initiative we are working on is a short video of our committee, including individuals’ background and role in the committee as well as a “call to arms’ to become involved. The reason for doing this is so members can get to know the Committee and also feel more included in branch activities. It is a work in progress, and currently investigating options for a quality and convenient filming option. Hopefully we will have the clip up and ready for viewing in September/October.
Over winter we have also been exploring the development of a schools-based citizenship program – called the OAAWA Student Citizenship Award Program. Information sent to us from other jurisdictions around similar programs they run has been extremely useful and we hope to have our program commencing in 2027. A lot of steps need to be taken to make this happen in a short time frame, including meetings with The Governor, and Director General of Education. There will be costs associated with this and thus we will be seeking financial development assistance from the OAA Board. With this in mind, if you know of a company, business or person who might want to help in this way, please let me know via the WA branch email (see above email address). We will also be seeking members to be on a panel to assess nominees and if that is something you might be interested in, let us know either now or latter. We will keep you informed of this special initiative.
On 5 August the Branch held its reception for the new Awardees announced in the Kings Birthday Awards at the City of Bayswater. It was such a great night, with approximately 150 recipients members and guests, it was a great celebration of service. We are always grateful for the support of our local government partners. The Branch has explored other options for the reception, but given the fantastic hospitality and venues offered through metropolitan Local Government, the format is definitely a winner!
FORTHCOMING WA BRANCH EVENTS
Handel’s Messiah Block booking
If there is sufficient interest, we are planning to make a block booking to this very special performance of Handel’s Messiah which will be conducted by our own Dr Margaret Pride OAM. It should be a great performance and in a wonderful setting – the Government House Ballroom.
To register your interest please respond to [email protected] by 14th August. For a block booking of 10, premium seats are available at a discount for $95 each.
Details of this performance are:
“You are invited to a spectacular concert of Handel’s Messiah, a dramatic and uplifting choral work, performed in its original Baroque style under the baton of widely acclaimed and renown conductor Margaret Pride with the highly talented Perth Chamber Singers and Perth Baroque Players [led by Paul Wright]. The chamber style performance will shed fresh light on this well-loved and moving work. Enhanced by the acoustics and beauty of the Government House Ballroom’s period architecture, a transparency and buoyancy will be more evident than in the usual large-scale performances.
The concert will be presented under the auspices of the Order of St John, WA Priory, to benefit Vinnies’ Passages Youth Engagement Hubs which provide practical assistance, advocacy and tailored support to young people aged 12 to 25. For youth facing homelessness. Passages can be the first step towards safety, stability and a brighter future.
Date– Sunday 15 November 2026 2.00 pm – 4.40 pm
Location
Government House Ballroom, Perth
13 St Georges Terrace, Perth W.A 6000”
Other forthcoming events for August-November:
14 August,25th Anniversary celebration of Police Patron’s Scheme at Police Academy Joondalup.
3 September. The City of Mandurah, south of Perth city, will be hosting a civic reception for members and partners of the Peel group. The recently appointed Mayor, Amber Kearns, will be the guest speaker.
16 September, annual black-tie dinner at the Royal Perth Golf Club. Guest Speaker will be Dr Andy Robertson, CSC, PSM. Dr Roberton was WA’s Chief Health Officer during the COVID period. This will be a wonderful night so please put this in your diary.
16 October, South West Region’s Annual lunch to be held in Harvey.
7th November, Great Southern Annual event. A different approach this year with a gathering at the Whaling Station for a talk “From Derelict to Iconic” by Peter Snow OAM, a conducted tour and lunch at the Whaling Station. Further details to come.
As always, regards and thanks for your ongoing support,
Judy
Judy Hogben AM, WA Branch Chair
OAAWA NEWSLETTER MARCH 2026
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
| Date | Detail | Notes |
| March 21st Australia Day Reception | City of Stirling | RSVPs have closed. |
| April 16 -19 National Conference | Brisbane | |
|
April An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan |
St Louis Estate | Shared with residents of St Louis followed by refreshments. Cost $10.00 p/head |
|
May A visit to Cypress Farm and Garden |
Waroona |
Suggest members bring a picnic lunch to be had overlooking the lake RSVP To |
|
June Coffee morning with talk Speaker TBCs |
RAAFA Estate | Talk followed by morning tea |
|
June Annual Church Service |
St George’s Cathedral | |
|
July Christmas in July and wine talk |
Venue TBC | |
|
September 16th Annual Black tie dinner |
Royal Perth Golf Club | |
|
October Visit to Police Academy TBC |
Joondalup | |
|
October SW Region event |
Venue TBC | |
|
November Great Southern Event |
Venue TBC | |
|
December Christmas lunch |
Venue TBC |
OAAWA NEWSLETTER JANUARY 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
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
| Date | Detail | Notes |
|
15 June 25, 5pm 2025 is the 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Australian Honours System. |
Annual Church Service Evensong at St George’s Cathedral, St George’s Cathedral Perth |
The Governor, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM is attending, and The Right Reverend Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy is the preacher. A recognition of the late Arthur Leggett OAM will be made by the Governor |
|
26 June 25, 12midday Peel Region Country Lunch |
Mandurah Country Club Function Room in Halls Head please contact Em Prof Joanna Barker, Co-ordinator of the group |
Lunch and refreshments at members cost. Speaker: Professor Kingsley Dixon AO. 32 years Foundation Director of King’s Park and Garden. Renowned conservation scientist. |
| 6th-13th July | NAIDOC Week | Event TBA |
| 28th August NB new date | King’s Birthday Honours 2025 Reception | City of Canning |
| 25th September | Annual Dinner | Royal Perth Golf Club |
| 3rd December | Christmas Lunch | Fremantle Sailing Club |
Branch news:
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.
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.
- 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 50th 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 50th 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
