Local achievers recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has congratulated and acknowledged the local women and men who have been recognised for their significant contribution to the community in the Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List announced today (June 11).

Sydney Kirkby MBE of Flaxton has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to surveying, particularly in the Antarctic, to polar exploration, research and mapping expeditions and to professional scientific societies.

Mr Kirkby has spent his career exploring and mapping Antarctica and Australia and was listed among Australia’s 50 greatest explorers by the Australian Museum in 2015 and one of the top 10 greatest Australian adventurers of the 20th century by The Australian newspaper in 1999.

“That is an incredible feat and one can only imagine the physical and emotional challenges he faced and the tenacity required to cope with extreme weather conditions throughout his years of exploration,” Mayor Jamieson said.

Jane Montgomery-Hribar of Doonan has also been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to the building and construction sector, particularly in the areas of project procurement and industry standards, through executive roles and as a mentor of women.

Helene Cronin of Buderim has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community history.

Mayor Jamieson said Mrs Cronin’s dedication to telling our local history, particularly that of Buderim and residents’ war efforts, ensured those stories lived on so future generations understood the sacrifice of service men and women.

Joyce Newton was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Maleny community.

Mrs Newton’s has held positions on a number of Maleny community organisations, from health to education, to sporting and political groups.

The late Phil Emmanuel of Buderim and the late Bruce Johnston of Buderim were also recognised posthumously, each awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Mr Emmanuel was recognised for his service to the performing arts, particularly through music. Mr Johnston was recognised for his service to the community and to dentistry.

David Woods of Wurtulla was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), recognised for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the enhancement of technical rescue capabilities within Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Chief Strategy Officer Graham Fraine has also been awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2018 Honours List.