FIVE Mount Gambier residents are the toast of the city today after being named in the Australia Day honours list.
Eric Roughana OAM has become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his decades of services to the community.
Well known piper and community identity Barry Ward, historian Jim Galpin, former alderman John Allen and Lions Club stalwart Edgar (Fred) Pfeiffer have been recognised with the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
Long-serving volunteer Michael Bleby has been awarded an OAM for his efforts to the Millicent community, while Frank Brennan received the Public Service Medal for more than 40 years of public service to local government and planning.
The recipients were announced today as part of the Australia Day celebrations that will be held across the nation.
More than 1400 people from across Australia were named in the Australia Day 2019 Honours List.
“On behalf of all Australians I congratulate recipients of Australia Day Honours,” Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove said.
“These people are worthy of our respect, admiration and thanks – they have made an enormous contribution to their local communities and to the entire nation.”
Sir Cosgrove said today’s recipients come from right across the country and from all walks of life.
“While some are well-known, the majority are unsung heroes,” he said.
“Their contributions are diverse yet there is a unifying theme: they have dedicated themselves to service.
“They have worked tirelessly for others, to improve local communities and to make Australia a better place.
“While typically they haven’t sought thanks or recognition, they deserve both. Their generosity, selflessness, compassion, dedication, commitment to service and energy inspire and motivate all of us.”
For over 40 years these honours have helped to define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging exceptional Australians.
See Tuesday’s edition of The Border Watch or visit our website for a full wrap of the recipients and today’s Australia Day celebrations.
