Glen Innes can boast not one but two new additions to its roll of Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipients with Sunday’s announcement that Jim Wilson and Gwen Parker are included on the Australia Day 2014 Honours list.
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Mr Wilson may have been feeling a little bereft at figuratively handing over the 2013 Glen Innes Severn Citizen of the Year mantle he shared with Beryl Clibborn, but gets to replace it immediately with an OAM.
He received the latest accolade (and, indeed, the former) for ‘service to the community of Glen Innes’. He often appears in the Examiner these days in his Glen Innes Mens Shed role, being instrumental in getting the endeavour funded and established, now to the benefit of many locals.
He is also a life member and former president of the Glen Innes Apex Club, n member of Glen Industries and of Glen Innes Probus. Not shy to take on committee roles, he is also a past president of the Glen Innes Veteran Golfers and, before that, on the committee of the Glen Innes Golf club.
Other recognitions include his 2004 Glen Innes Severn Citizen Award nomination and a Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2011.
“I seem to be following the footsteps of (last year’s OAM and former Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient) Jan Sharman,” Mr Wilson said.
“I’m quite humbled by the experience considering the company I’m in, and the hundreds of people I’ve worked with over the years that are just as deserving, but it’s wonderful that someone thought highly enough of me to nominate me.”
Mrs Parker also received her OAM for service to the community of Glen Innes. Her involvement with the Glen Innes Evening Branch of the Country Women’s Association is pushing 46 years, in roles including president and vice-president.
She also has a long relationship with the Glen Innes Karinya Association as a volunteer and committee member, and has been honorary treasurer since 1988. She was included in the Community Treasurer’s Honour Roll in the Westpac Bank Awards in 2009.
She’s a member of the Uniting Church and has been an executive member of the Glen Innes Probus Club since 1994.
Earlier recognitions include a Senior Pride of Workmanship Award nomination in 2011.
On being informed that she was to receive an OAM, her response was, “ I cannot believe what I have read. Could it be possible that I would be considered for such an honour?
“I am deeply humbled. I am most grateful to be of service to this community and it gives me pleasure in these roles.”
Anyone can nominate any Australia for an award in the Order of Australia. Worthy nominations can be made at www.gg.gov.au. In the 2014 Australia Day Honours list 487 citizens were recognised with OAMs.
“I want to give my strong support to the awards made through the Australian Honours system,” the governor-general, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce said.
“They elevate the concept of giving to others. They heighten our respect for one another, and they encourage Australians to think about the responsibility of citizenship in our democracy.
“Awards in the Australian Honours system represent the highest level of recognition accorded by our nation for outstanding achievement and service. The Honours announced today recognise community values and celebrate what is important and unifying in Australian life.”
Both Mr Wilson and Mrs Parker will be profiled in coming Upclose columns in the Examiner. They will attend investiture ceremonies to receive the insignia of their awards in coming months.