Locals shine in Australia Day 2023 Honours

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL today announced Honours and Awards for 1047 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. The recipients have had a significant impact at the local, national and international level and are, quite simply, inspiring,” the Governor-General said.

“They go above and beyond, are from all over the country, and contribute every day in every way imaginable. These are the people who see us through good times and bad. They’re the first to show up and the last to leave.

“They’re almost always humble to a fault but I urge recipients, for today, to put aside that humility - it’s important they know how much they are valued.”

Across Gippsland, eight members of the community have been honoured. They include Suzanne Hunt AM, Dr David Denton AM, Lesley Kool OAM, Lynette Skillern OAM, Glenn Wright OAM, Nadia Stefani OAM, James Whelan PSM and Dr Benjamin Meadley ASM.

“It is encouraging to see an increase in diversity in the Order of Australia. Each recipient has something in common – someone nominated them. The Order belongs to each of us and we each have a part to play. The only way a person can be recognised is for someone to nominate them.”