Mr Joyce pictured with the 2019 Australia Day winners, nominees and new Australian citizens in Glen Innes. Photo: Tony Grant 

 

This year’s Australia Day honours and awards list boasts one of the biggest representations from the New England electorate in recent memory.

 

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) features 15 recipients from the electorate with 19 in total to be recognised.

“We have long known that our region features some remarkable people doing extraordinary work and this just confirms it,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“People from all walks of life have dedicated their lives to community endeavours here in the New England. Every day they volunteer their time and energy to benefit the rest of us.

 

“They are the beating heart of our communities and we should treasure them so. I extend my congratulations to all local award recipients.”

 

Among the 2019 awardees is Sophie Masson from Invergowrie who is being presented with the Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to literature as an author and publisher, and through roles with industry organisations. Ms Masson has published more than 60 books and held numerous literary roles including as past president of the Children's Book Council of NSW and as executive committee member of the Australian Society of Authors.

 

Also to be recognised is Tamworth OAM recipient, Jane Bradford, whose achievements stretch far and wide across the community. Mrs Bradford has held active roles in two Tamworth Rotary clubs over the years, including a term as District Governor of District 9650 as well as numerous board and committee positions with Tamworth U3A, Zonta club, Chamber of Commerce and Tamworth Women's Network.

 

It is an OAM family-double for husband and wife Colin and Pauline Stewart of Quirindi, who are both receiving the award this year.

 

Mr Stewart has received recognition for his extensive career in local government, local Apex and RSL clubs as well as his two-decade-plus involvement with the Quirindi District Rescue Squad.

 

Mrs Stewart is being recognised for her commitment in various roles with community organisations such as the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, Quirindi Chamber of Commerce and Quirindi District Rescue Squad.

 

Also to be awarded an OAM is Armidale’s Max Tavener for service to veterans and their families. Best known for his long-standing representation with the Armidale sub-branch and Armidale Legacy, Mr Tavener also held positions with the Australian Naval Cadets’ Armidale branch, The Armidale School (TAS) and Armidale Freemasons.

 

Mr Joyce also extended his congratulations to other award recipients such as John Gill of Bingara who has dedicated 45 years of exemplary service to Fire and Rescue NSW. Mr Gill will receive the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM).

 

Full list of 2019 Australia Day award recipients (New England):

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):

Dr Adrian ALLEN, Walcha - For service to medicine, and to the community of Walcha.
Dr Venny ARMANNO, Kootingal - For service to medicine, particularly in the field of general practice.
Mr Gordon AUSTIN, Hillvue - For service to the community of the NSW Northern Rivers.
Mr Kenneth BARKER, Warragul - For service to the community of Glen Innes.
Mrs Jane BRADFORD, Tamworth - For service to the community.
Mr Ronald DAVIS, Armidale - For service to heritage preservation.
Mr Douglas HAWKINS, Quirindi - For service to veterans and their families.
Dr Stephen HOWLE, Tamworth - For service to medicine.
Mrs Margaret KENNEDY, Armidale - For service to the community of Armidale.
Mr Leslie MOULDS, Inverell - For service to the tourism industry.
Mr Colin STEWART, Quirindi - For service to the community of Quirindi.
Mrs Pauline STEWART, Quirindi - For service to the community of Quirindi.
Mrs Kerrie STURTRIDGE, Glen Innes - For service to the community of Glen Innes.
Mr Maxwell TAVENER, Armidale - For service to veterans and their families.
Ms Marion WILKINS, Aberdeen - For service to the community through charitable organisations.

 

Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia:

Ms Sophie MASSON, Invergowrie - For significant service to literature as an author and publisher, and through roles with industry organisations.

 

Emergency Service Medal (ESM):

Mr Glenn JONES, Tamworth – 29 years exemplary service with NSW SES

 

Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM):

Mr Alan COOPER, Tamworth - 31 years exemplary service with Fire and Rescue
Mr John GILL, Bingara - 45 years with exemplary service Fire and Rescue NSW

 

(ENDS)