Geelong’s recent Order of Australia recipients were finally able to be formally recognised last week, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
A civic reception was held at City Hall on Monday for the first time since to 2019 to celebrate the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday honours received by Geelong region residents in 2021.
Mayor Stephanie Asher presented medallions to each of the 23 people to receive honours at the event.
Pete Johnston (service to veterans), Barry Abley (service to the community of Geelong), Brian Edward (service to the community of Geelong), Janet Synot (service to the arts, to the community, and to badminton), Elaine Mitchell (service to the performing arts), Donna Rae-Szalinski (service to cycling), Alan Joyce (service to surf lifesaving, and to the community), Alistair McCooke (service to surf lifesaving), Professor Peter Gates (service to neurology), Douglas Whan (service to the community through the church), Rosanne King (service to sports administration), Warren Hewitt (service to community health through welfare support groups), Lisa Kingman McGlinchey (service to business and community engagement initiatives), Norman Houghton (service to community history), David Morgan (service to the wool industry), Gary Tomlins (service to marine rescue organisations, and to the community), Jennifer Walsh (service to community health, particularly to palliative care), Alistair Urquhart (service to people with a disability through employment initiatives), Professor Felice Jacka (service to nutritional psychiatry research), Jeffrey Stewart (service to the community of Drysdale), Philip Emery (service to the community of Greater Geelong), and Raymond Weston (service to youth, and to emergency response organisations) were all recognised for being awarded Order of Australia medals.
Professor Debra Nestel (significant service to medical education through simulated teaching methods) was also recognised for being made a member of the Order of Australia.
Cr Asher said the recipients represented many different fields, including community service, veterans’ affairs, the arts, sport, health and medicine.
“The 23 recipients have demonstrated qualities of dedication, generosity and passion for their respective areas of interest and I thank them for making Greater Geelong a better place,” she said.
“These community members are all very deserving of the honours they’ve received, and I have no doubt that their efforts have inspired others to strive for the best in their own endeavours.”
