The Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch Bulletin ABN:40008612664 July / 2009 Issue 3 CHAIRMAN S NOTES May I commence on a sad note by acknowledging the passing of Thelma Rowatt OAM, past Chairman of the Queensland Branch (1996-99), Vice Chairman (1994-95) and Branch Secretary (1990-94), national Director for 5 years and longserving member of the Association in many other capacities. Thelma was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1982 for services to the community. She was a generous supporter of a wide range of charities but never spoke of this. She was a woman of great courage and sharp perception who respected all and feared none and, though small in stature, she stood tall among her peers. Thelma was a popular, respected and committed member of the Association and will be sadly missed by us all. One of the underpinning principles in selecting recipients of the Order of Australia is service to humanity (at various levels). A very broad view is taken of that service and it is service commonly contributed at local, state, national or international level in the case of successful nominees. It is therefore very important that, in nominating anyone for the Order of Australia, that the widest possible testimonial of the individual s contribution to society is provided with the nomination and that the suggested referees are also from a wide cross section of the community or society at large. Such an approach may not necessarily guarantee success in the nomination, but it will ensure that the nominee is considered against the best possible range of their contribution rather than against just one or two specific involvements. Why not nominate someone today there are many deserving Australians around all of us. Because a number of people did take the time to complete a nomination form and testimonial, the 2009 Queen s Birthday Honours List recognised yet another group of special Queenslanders who will be each invested with their Order of Australia at Government House on the 7, 8 and 9 September in and on 11 September in Townsville, by Her Excellency, the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wesley AO. On Wednesday 9 September, immediately following the Investitures, the Association will hold the customary Reception for the Recipients of the Order at the Parliamentary Annex. Thelma Rowatt OAM Notable among the recipients was Major-General Professor John Pearn AO, and previously AM, who is well known for his service to humanity at large, his support of many community organisations in Queensland, his prolific research publications on child health, his medical, military and civilian heritage research and interests and his work in disaster-plagued territories around the globe. My sincere congratulations go Professor Pearn and to all of those other new recipients. The 30th Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Branch of the Association will be held at the Queensland Club on Friday 20 November 2009 in conjunction with the Annual Dinner. This venue proves to be popular. Dr Neil Conn AO, National President of the Association, has agreed to be the Occasional Speaker for
2 2009. Dr Conn has wide business and senior executive experience, including as a past Administrator of the Northern Territory. Queensland Day at Government House On 14 September 2009 The Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch will again present the Secondary School Citizenship Awards. Planning is well progressed under the leadership of Convenor Professor Klaus Bremhorst AM and Dina Browne AO. Peter Blatch OAM and Ross Dwyer OAM are well advanced in planning the 2009 Primary School Citizenship Awards to be held in October 2009. I again bring to your attention The Order of Australia Association Foundation. The achievements and outstanding contribution to society of successful students over time identifies them as potentially significant future Australians and highlights the value of the Foundation to the community. By now you should have received by mail the Brochure and Registration Form for the 2010 24th National Conference of the Association to be held in Adelaide from 11 to 14 February 2010. Adelaide is already proving to be a popular venue and it would be beneficial to register early to avoid disappointment. Finally your Regional Coordinators have been providing functions for your enjoyment and fellowship. The dates for functions to be held in the next half of 2009 can be found in this Newsletter. Your participation in the Association s activities and functions helps us to make your membership of your association an enjoyable experience. Please continue to support the functions that your fellow members work so hard to provide for you. Mick DAVIS AM Chairman The Order of Australia Association (Qld) Committe Members Paul Sowa OAM, Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AO Governor of Queensland, Phillip Blakey OAM. Committee members, Paul Sowa OAM and Phillip Blakey OAM - with the Governor of Queensland - Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO - at the open day at Government House on 6 June 2009 to celebrate Queensland's 150 years. Organisations that have the Queensland Governor - Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AO - as their patron were invited to present displays of their activities. The display by the Order of Australia Association consisted of association brochures, medals and awards information and banners - the display was well received with many enquiries. Funeral Notices At their meeting on 15 April 2009 the Executive Sub Committee has agreed that The National Funeral Directors Association of Australia should be informed that where appropriate the Association s logo may be included in funeral notices subject to the approval of the deceased s next of kin. The logo may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary (Queensland Branch) by emailing HonSec OAA _Qld@aapt.net.au
3 Mrs Marie Bennetts, OAM a recipient in the Australia Day 2009 Honours List with the Branch President, Mr Mick Davis, AM, at the Gold Coast Lunch Group photo of 2009 Australia Day Recipients Members of The Order of Australia Association (Queensland Branch) offer their sincere congratulations to the following recipients of awards announced in the Queen s Birthday 2009 Honours List. OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Professor John Hemsley PEARN AM RFD MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Mr Tate ADAMS; Mr Horace Peter BRAND; Mr William Morrison BRISTOW; Mr Garry CONNELLY; Professor Janet Elizabeth DELPRATT; Mr Christopher Robin FREEMAN; The Honourable Dr David John HAMILL; Professor John HARTLEY; Emeritus Professor Calvin Wyatt ROSE; Mr Lance Colbert SMITH; Mr Allan Walter TEYS; Mr James Noozhumurry VARGHESE; Emeritus Professor John Stuart WESTERN MEMBER (AM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA Royal Australian Navy Warrant Officer Christopher Robert GARNER MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION Mr Donald Charles ALDOUS; Mrs June Mildred ANDREWS; Mr David John ARDREY; Dr Peter Thomas BASTABLE; Mrs Nadia BEER; Mr Terence Neil BETTS; Mrs Denise Clare BLYTH; Mr Scott McKenzie BYRNES; Mr Luigi CASAGRANDE; Mr Stanley Bruce COLLINS; Mr Stanley COOMBER; Mrs Bettye Lloyd DARE; Mr Bashir Ahmed EBRAHIM; Miss Beverley FARLEY; Mrs Ellen FELS; Adjunct Associate Professor Lesley Christine FLEMING; Mrs Carolyn Frances GOLDSMITH; Mrs Melvena Patricia HALLAM; Mr Arthur Booker HAYNES-LOVELL; Mr Lloyd Eric LARNEY; Mr Kenneth George LEONARD; Mr John William LOFT- HOUSE; Mr Holt Frederick McMINN; Ms June Audrey McNICOL; Mr Malcolm Bruce MIDDLETON; Envoy Donald James NOTTAGE; Mrs Marjory Evelyn PEARCE; Associate Professor Christopher Francis PERRY; Mr Ronald Wilson PILKINGTON; Mr Leslie William PONTIN; Mr Alan Francis REECE; Mr Aubrey Elwyn ROGERS, deceased Mr Rogers died on 4 January 2009; Mr Thomas Joseph RYAN; Mrs Beverley Joan SHAY; Mr John Bernard SHAY; Mrs Lois Mary SHINNERS; Dr John STANDLEY; Mr Gary Phillip THORPE; Mr David Roberts TURNBULL; Mrs Vilma WARD; Mr James Richard WATT; Mr Barrie John WOODS MEDAL (OAM) IN THE MILITARY DIVISION Australian Army Warrant Officer Class One Bruce Neville WALKER
4 Investures at Government House 8th May. New Recipients Mrs DIANA JONES AM Mrs Diana Joy Jones was admitted to the Order of Australia as a Member in the Queens Birthday Honours list 1993. She received this high honour for her service to the community and to blind and visually impaired people. Judy Thompson, Jean Stewart OAM, Mary Bull, back row Peter Mitchell, Ian Mitchell She did not, however, rest on her laurels at that point but became a driving force in the Order of Australia Association, serving 3 years as the national Association s Chairman until 2005. During that time she applied her enormous energy, skills of persuasion, determination and network of friends to promoting the Association s Foundation and its assistance to promising young Australians. She devoted particular attention to the vital task of finding mentors for the Foundation s scholarship holders. Lance Smith, Lyn Smith, Noelle Cook, Dr Bruce Cook OAM All of us have benefited during her lifetime, some of us many times, from Diana s generosity, vivacity and charm. On behalf of the Order of Australia Association and its 8,500 members around Australia I express our deep sadness at the loss of a dear friend, and convey our sincere condolences to her husband David and their family. Neil R Conn AO National President The Order of Australia Association Elizabeth Peat, Gregory Peat, Deidre Brown OAM, Ian Hamilton
5 The Sunshine Coast Region Luncheon of 24th June 2009 The biannual Luncheon of the Sunshine Coast region of the OAA was attended by 31 members at Tranquil Park in Maleny overlooking the beautiful scenery of the seven Glasshouse Mountains and forests. Branch Chairman Mick Davis AM was introduced by Convenor Malcolm to bring members up to date on Branch and National affairs. Mick welcomed new recipient Lloyd Larney of Maleny who received his OAM award for his outstanding community service over many years. The formal toasts were honoured by Lorraine Marsh OAM proposing the Toast to the Queen and Bert Wansley AM with the Toast to the Order of Australia. Rev. Don Neldner gave the Grace. Guest Speaker, Malcolm McDonald, Esq., OAM was introduced by Mick Davis AM who spoke of Malcolm s history as a Scottish Armiger, his research of Scottish history and publication of the book The Chain that Binds Further Links and his appointment by Lord Macdonald as Toiseach of the Finlaggan Council. Malcolm gave an interesting presentation on Heraldry - ARMS, ART and ANCESTRY supported with slides, and his in-depth knowledge of the subject. One feature was his description of the connection with Australia of the English Arms granted to William Huxley AM and of Scottish Arms Granted to M. McDonald OAM. The vote of thanks was lead by Phillip Blakey who spoke of the wide interest today in family ancestry and remarked on the fine design and art of Coats of Arms. After the two course Luncheon Members socialised with Coffee and cheeseboard. BUNDABERG REGIONAL GROUP Saturday 29 August 2009 is approaching quickly. The Bundaberg Regional Group is holding another great luncheon at the Brothers Sports Club, Takalvan Street, Bundaberg. Guest Speaker for this luncheon is Todd Russell, a survivor of the Beaconsfield Mine Disaster. Tickets at $40 per person include a two course meal with tea and coffee. Seating is limited. If you wish to attend this event contact Kevin Gould OAM on 4153 1287 or 0401 641 230. Tickets will be mailed on receipt of payment. We were delighted to learn that our last guest speaker Jonathon Welch received an award (AM) in the Queen s Birthday honours. The Bundaberg Region s Christmas gathering will be held at Childers on Saturday 28 November 2009. This will be our third function for 2009. For further details contact Kevin Gould OAM, Regional Convenor. Gold Coast Region Activities The Gold Coast Region held a successful lunch on 26 May 2009, 37 members and guests attended and heard Mr John Jones, OAM speak on the topic of 100 Years Between the Flags being a personal history of surf life saving in Australia. Those attending enjoyed his address on the subject about which he is most passionate. The Guest Speaker Mr John Jones, OAM has volunteered to speak to other Association gatherings on this subject if they wish to hear from him. He can be contacted at 07 5535 0120 or email at johnmjones@optusnet.com.au The next planned function is a Garden Party style Afternoon Tea at Jabiru, Mudgeeraba on a Saturday 24 October 2009. There will be a mail out to Regional Members in August/September. All Association Members are welcome. Darling Downs Regional Group On Friday 22 May forty-six members of the Darling Downs Group of the Order of Australia Association and their guests met for morning-tea in Toowoomba. It was an opportunity to welcome newly invested members of the Order, Professor James Taylor AM, Harold Spencer OAM, Ian Zirbel OAM and Professor Glen Postle AM. Queensland Chairman, Mick Davis AM, attended and brought members up to date with the latest news from the Association. The Darling Downs Regional Group s next activity for members will be a morning-tea in October 2009 at the Town and Country Club, 58 Neil Street, Toowoomba. The date is yet to be determined. Members will receive their invitations in September.
6 Diary Dates Bundaberg Saturday 29 August 2009: Luncheon with guest speaker Todd Russell Contact: Kevin Gould OAM; Tel: 4153 1287 Townsville Saturday 5 September 2009: Annual Dinner Contact: Neil Weekes AM; Tel: 4773 6932 7,8 & 9 September 2009: Investitures at Government House Contact: Mick Davis AM; Tel: 3355 7872 Wednesday 9 September 2009: Reception for New Recipients at Parliamentary Annex Contact: Ross Dwyer OAM; Tel: 3265 4734 Monday 14 September 2009: Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards Presentations Contact: Dina Browne AO; Tel: 3236 0128 Rockhampton Monday 21 September 2009: Luncheon Contact: Raymond Young OAM; Email: raymond@cyberoz.com.au Friday 2 October 2009: Morning Tea Contact: Paul Sowa OAM; Tel: 3267 7216 Monday 19 October 2009: Primary Schools Citizenship Awards Presentations Contact: Ross Dwyer OAM; Tel: 3265 4734 Gold Coast Saturday 24 October 2009: Garden Party Contact: Bill Collins AO; Tel: 5538 7375 20 November 2009: AGM and Annual Dinner at Queensland Club Contact: Mick Davis AM (Chairman) Tel: 33557872 or Ross Dwyer OAM (Honorary Secretary) Tel: 3265 4734 Bundaberg 28 November 2009: Christmas Gathering at Childers Contact: Kevin Gould OAM; Tel: 4153 1287 Queensland Branch Patron: Her Excellency, Ms Penelope Wensley AO Governor of Queensland Branch Committee Members Mr Mick Davis AM Chairman Tel: 07 3355 7822 (h) 3247 8027 (b) Mobile: 0411 554 955 Email: emdav@ecn.net.au Mr Paul Sowa OAM Vice Chairman Tel: 3267 7216 Email: pasowa@bigpond.net.au Mr Ross Dwyer OAM Honorary Secretary Tel: 3265 4734 Mobile: 0419 027 104 Email: HonSecOAA_QLD@aapt.net.au Mr Royce Voss OAM Honorary Treasurer Tel: 3410 0348 Mobile: 0419 729 953 Email:royce.voss@bigpond.com Committee members Mr Bill Collins AO Mr Paul Stevenson OAM Ms Jennette Lavis OAM Mr Phillip Blakey OAM Mr Anthony Stokes OAM Mr Raymond Young OAM Mrs Margaret Rankin AM Newsletter Editor Mick Davis AM, Jean Stewart OAM new recipent VALE LIST Margreta Elkins AM Phillip Holt AM Peggy Carter OAM LCDR Henry Heath OAM RFD Arnold Branson OAM Thelma Rowatt OAM Garth Andrews OAM Rev. Alan Soares AM Albion Isle of Capri St Lucia Bulimba Helensvale Hendra Southport Aspley