Each year, the Australia Day Honours List recognises those who have served their community, their profession, or their country with distinction. This year, the Berowra electorate is home to several outstanding local recipients.
Jan Childs was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Berowra. Her service reflects long-standing community work over many years. Through the Berowra Rotary Club, she helped lead the annual arts and crafts exhibition that celebrates local creativity and raises funds for good causes. She has also made significant contributions through guiding, including the Trefoil Guild and Girl Guides in Berowra.
Tony Morgan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, for service in insurance. Many in our area know Tony through the church communities in Hornsby. Professionally, his career has combined technical excellence, leadership and a commitment to training the next generation. He spent decades helping individuals and businesses recover after major loss. Within the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, he made an extraordinary contribution to professional standards and education, including the long-term development of the diploma of loss adjusting.
Tom Parker was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his stewardship of one of Australia’s most iconic sporting venues. For 20 years, Tom was head curator at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Maintaining a venue of that significance requires judgement, deep knowledge and uncompromising standards—and that is what Tom has always provided.
The late Stuart Pittendrigh was recognised for service to horticulture and landscape architecture. He was a leader in his field for decades, respected for his contributions to professional standards and education, and for major public projects, including Barangaroo Reserve.
Marilyn Chilvers was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to New South Wales in data research and analysis. Her career shows public service at its best: rigorous, evidence- based work to improve outcomes, strengthen evaluation, and inform better decisions in human services.
Finally, RAAF Air Commodore Kaarin Kooij received the CSC and Bar for outstanding devotion to duty as Director General of the Joint Transition Authority. Her work has focused on building a more responsive and integrated transition system for veterans and their families.
The service from these recipients have strengthened our community and our country.
If you know someone who should be recognised for their contributions, you can nominate them at https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards