Latest news with #MedalsoftheOrderofAustralia
West Australian
10-06-2025
- General
- West Australian
Albany's Raymond George, Mt Barker's Ken Clements and Woodanilling's Russel Thomson in Kings Birthday Honours
Three esteemed Great Southern men have been honoured for their decades of community service with their names featured on the King's Birthday 2025 Honours list. Albany marine biologist and golf club patron Raymond George, Shire of Plantagenet deputy president Ken Clements and Woodanilling local government veteran Russel Thomson all received Medals of the Order of Australia on Monday. A mainstay of the Mt Barker community for more than 40 years, Cr Clements served as the Shire of Plantagenet president from 2009 to 2017, a councillor since 1990 and is currently deputy president. He has worked with numerous committees across planning, emergency management and community development as well as having extensive involvement with the WA Local Government Association, where he was a State councillor and life member. As well as local government roles, Cr Clements has been a pillar of the local sporting, historical and tourism industries. Fellow councillor Russel Thomson was also lauded for his commitment to his community, having served on the Shire of Woodanilling council for 43 years, occupying the role of president for 26 of them. Now deputy president, Cr Thomson is also a passionate advocate for land conservation and resource management, founding the Land Conservation Development Committee, the Blackwood Basin Group and Wagin Woodanilling Landcare Zone and winning several State awards for his efforts. Cr Thomson is also a stalwart of the Katanning Rotary Club and has been a volunteer firefighter since 1973. Marine biologist, local historian and former WA sportsman Raymond George was honoured for his contributions to science and to the Albany golfing community. The carcinologist worked at the WA Museum as curator of invertebrates from 1953 to 1982, during which time he identified the western rock lobster, naming it 'Panulirus cygnus George'. Dr George is celebrated for his decades-long involvement with the Albany Golf Club, where he authored its history, chaired the heritage committee, and was named a life member in 2023. Beyond his scientific and historical, Dr George represented the State in hockey and water polo in his youth. Governor General Sam Mostyn praised all 830 recipients of the King's Birthday Honours, now in its 50th year. 'Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve,' she said. 'These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country. 'To all who are being recognised in The King's Birthday 2025 Honours List, I want to offer my congratulations and gratitude for all that you have given to Australia — and I look forward to meeting many of you at the investiture of your awards.'
West Australian
26-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Mid West trio presented with respective medals following Australia Day honours
Australia Day honours for a Mid West trio were officially presented at a ceremony earlier this month, recognising their significant contributions to the community. On Australia Day this year, Geraldton resident Peter Stratford OAM and Jurien Bay's Robin Randall OAM were awarded their respective Medals of the Order of Australia, with the medals officially handed over at Government House by WA Governor Chris Dawson. Mr Stratford, who has lived in Geraldton for the past 20 years, has held a number of roles within the community. In particular, his contribution to the Drummond Cove Progress Association and Fishability contributed heavily to his nomination. His volunteering record is extensive, having previously been a career firefighter in NSW. Mr Stratford previously told the Geraldton Guardian the honour was a nod to all volunteers who gave their time for noble causes. 'I think there are a lot of people around Geraldton, volunteers, different services, different organisations,' he said. 'So I'm accepting this on behalf of all the volunteers and services — police, fire brigade, ambulance, doctors, everything. 'There are a lot of worthy recipients around Geraldton who dedicate enormous amounts of time for no pay or anything. They just do it because they really, really like to help people.' Jurien Bay's Robin Randall was honoured posthumously, following his significant contribution in the Shire of Dandaragan. He was recognised most notably through his service to Marine Rescue Jurien Bay, where he volunteered for more than 30 years. His daughter Sandra said it was the epitome of her father's character. 'He saw there was a need for radio operators and when he threw himself into anything, he did so wholeheartedly,' she said. 'He took on pretty much every single role there was. He did his cert four so that he could do the official training. 'He loved it and lived it, he was down at the base almost every day during the summer.' Meanwhile, another Australia Day honour went to Geraldton-based paramedic Nic Chadbourne ASM. The 44-year-old was one of the first community paramedics, and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal on Australia Day. Over 17 years, Mr Chadbourne has been invaluable when responding to emergencies and disasters over his paramedic career, including assisting in 2021 through cyclone Seroja.
