National Honours Advisory Committee - Selected Biographies

CLIFT Mr Jeffrey Keith - AM

 

BELL Mr Jonathan Albin - OAM

BRAID The Honourable Ian Maxwell - OAM

 

CROOKS Mr John William - OAM

 

DURRANT Mr Harold George- OAM

 

GRAYSON Mr Michael William - OAM

HEYDON Mr William Frank - OAM

KAATZ Mrs Colleen Mary- OAM
LONG Mr Bede Alphonsus - OAM

MURDOCH Mr Graeme John (Dick) - OAM

 

PENTREATH Mr Desmond Joseph - OAM

PRIOR Mr Maxwell Simpson - OAM

SKINNER David George - OAM

SMITH Mr Maurice Wilton- OAM

STOKIE Mr James Thomas (Ray) - OAM

 

THOMAS Mr Peter James - OAM

TOLL Mr Neville Francis - OAM

 

WHELAN Mr Alan Maxwell (Tassie) - OAM

WIGGINS Mrs Gwendoline Rose - OAM

Mr Jeffrey Keith CLIFT - AM (Deceased 18 May 2006)

Ardrossan SA 5571 For service to primary industry, particularly through the development and administration of grain bulk storage facilities, and to the community of Ardrossan.

 

Director, ABB Grain Ltd (formerly the Australian Barley Board), since merger 2004. Chairman, Ausbulk Ltd, 1982-1994 (merged with AAB and United Grower Holdings to form ABB Grain Ltd in 2004); Director, until 2004. Chairman, South Australian Co-Operative Bulk Handling (later Ausbulk), 1970-1982. National Chairman, Bulk Handling Authorities of Australia, for 2 terms. Board Member, CSIRO Stored Grain Section. President, Ardrossan Retirement Homes, 1977-1992.

 

Member, Ardrossan Lions Club, for over 20 years; served in various positions including a term as President. Initiator, Yorke Peninsula Barley Competition; community fundraiser.

Mr Jonathan Albin BELL - OAM

Glenquarry NSW 2576 For service to the community through a range of children's, sporting, rural and ex-service welfare organisations, and to the law.

 

Director, Barnados Australia, 1994-2001; Founding Chairman, Barnados Canberra, since 1995. President, Canberra Offshore Racing Club (CORC), 1979-1985; Life Member; crew member (mast hand) on CORC yachts in all Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) Long Ocean Pointscore (LOPS) series ocean races including Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and Sydney Maloolaba Race, 1979-1986; crew member (mast hand) for LOPS season, 1985, when CORC yacht Mercedes IV won CYCA Blue Water Championship.

 

Executive Councillor, New South Wales Farmers Association, 2000-2002; continuing Secretary, Molonglo District Council, 1977-1998; President, Moss Vale Branch, since 1999.

 

President, Berrima Division, Sydney Legacy, 2004-2006; Vice-President, 2002-2003; Member, since 2000. Board Member, New South Wales Legacy Foundation, since 2001. President, Queanbeyan Lions Club, 1972. Chairman, Monaro Electorate Conference, Liberal Party, 1975-1977. President, Queanbeyan Branch, Liberal Party, 1974-1977. Chairman of Partners, Elrington, Boardman, Allport, 1992-1998; Litigation Partner, Boardman, Allport, Bell & Finlayson, Solicitors of Queanbeyan, Canberra, Yass and Boorowa (became Elrington Boardman Allport in 1989), commencing 1967.

 

Member, ACT Law Society Complaints Committee, 1992-1997. Member, ACT Professional Conduct Board, appointed 1998. President, Queanbeyan Law Society, 1991. Honorary Solicitor, Queanbeyan Monaro Legacy, 1967-1998.

 

Honorary Solicitor, Queanbeyan District Show Society; 1970-1997; Life member.

The Honourable Ian Maxwell BRAID - OAM

Sheffield Tas 7306 For service to local government and to the Tasmanian Parliament.

Councillor, Kentish Council, 1974-1976; Mayor, since 2003.

State Member for Wilmot, 1969-1972 and 1975-1986.

State Member for Lyons, 1986-1996.

Ministerial portfolios included Construction, Local Government, Racing and Gaming, Assistant Treasurer, Main Roads, Water Resources, Primary Industries, Housing, Lands, and Transport. Member, Kentish Lions Club, since 1973; President, 2003-2004.

Board member, Tasmanian Public Works Tender Board, 1997-2000.

Former Chairman, Kentish Retarded Children's Welfare Association.

Former Member, Sheffield District High School Parents and Friends Association.

Former Member, La Trobe High School Parents and Friends Association.

Associated with the Sheffield Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia

Mr John William CROOKS - OAM

South Mission Beach Qld 4852 For service to the community, particularly through the Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Restarted the Mission Beach Surf Life Saving Club in 1981; President, 1984-1999 and since 2003; Life Member.

President, Mission Beach Lions Club, 1992 and 2001; through Lions' fundraising, assisted the Queensland Ambulance Service to obtain land and furnishings for a new ambulance station.

Volunteer helper, Meals-on-Wheels, 2000. Awards/recognition include: Citation of Merit, International Life Saving Federation, 2003.

Award for 30 years' service, Lions International, 2002.

Mr Harold George DURRANT - OAM

Werris Creek NSW 2341 For service to the community of Werris Creek through historical, service and health organisations, and to the Scouting movement.

Current Tour guide, Australian Railway Monument and Museum.

Volunteer, Werris Creek Unit, State Emergency Services. Founding Member, Werris Creek and District Social and Development Group; involved in setting up recycling program, maintaining local parks and lawn cemetery.

Treasurer, Werris Creek Meals on Wheels.

Member, Werris Creek Lions Club, since 1996. President, Werris Creek Rotary Club, 1995; Treasurer, 1973; Member, since 1971; involved in establishment of Rotary Park, Werris Creek.

Member, Werris Creek Jaycees, 1970s; involved in fundraising for Werris Creek Memorial Swimming Pool. Director, Werris Creek Hospital Board, 1983-1995.

North West Region Group Quartermaster, Scouts Australia (NSW), 1996; Group Adviser, since 1996; Group Treasurer; Group Leader, 1977-1996; Scout Leader, Werris Creek, 1970-1977; Assistant Scout Leader, 1968-1970.

Awards/recognition include: Centenary Medal, 2001. Citizen of the Year, Werris Creek, 1988. Medal of Merit, Scouts Australia, 1993; Good Service awards, 1980, 1981, 1995 and 2003.

Mr Michael William GRAYSON - OAM

Emerald Qld 4720 For service to the community through the Iwasaki Foundation.

Manager, Iwasaki Foundation Melaleuca Motel, Yeppoon 1998-2005; provides subsidised holiday facilities to the aged, disadvantaged and people with disabilities. Assisted various organisations, including the Capricornia Stroke Group.

Current Water Controller, Sunwater, Fairbairn Dam, Emerald. Former Member, Lions Club of Emerald, c1986.

Mr William Frank HEYDON - OAM

Porepunkah Vic 3740 For service to the community, particularly through Lions Australia.

 

President, Lions Club of Bright, for 2 terms; Secretary, for 5 terms; Treasurer, for 7 terms; and other Board positions; Member, since 1986. President, Bright Football Club, for 3 years in early 1990s; Secretary, for 3 years in late 1980s.

Member, Porepunkah Public Hall Committee, for two 3-years' terms. Member, Victoria Police Service, 1960-1988.

 

Awards/recognition include: Melvin Jones Fellow Award, Lions Club of Bright, 2004.

Mrs Colleen Mary KAATZ - OAM

Collingwood Park Qld 4301 For service to the community of the Redbank area, particularly through Lions Australia.

Involved with Lions Australia, since 1983. Vice-President, Redbank Plains Lions Club, 2004-2005; President, 2003-2004 and current; Director, for 10 years. Former President, Redbank Goodna Lioness Club, for 2 terms; Treasurer; Charter Member.

Vice-President, Redbank Local Ambulance Committee, current and 2 previous terms; Committee Member, for 7 years; instigator of re-establishment of the branch after it had disbanded; involved in major fundraising projects and grant applications.

Secretary, Redbank Blue Light Association, for approximately 15 years; volunteer for Blue Light Discos.

Volunteer, Redbank Respite Centre, for over 10 years. School Council Member, Collingwood Park State School, for 3 years; volunteer, for many years.

Mrs Kaatz lived in several communities in New South Wales before returning to Queensland and was involved in a number of community organisations there, including Meals on Wheels, the View Club, the Anglican Church and Rotary, for 10 years.

Awards include: James D Richardson Award (Lions), for community service, 2004.

Mr Bede Alphonsus LONG - OAM

Beecroft NSW 2119 For service to the community through Lions Australia. Australian International Representative, Lions Australia, 2002-2005; assisted in the creation of approximately 100 new Clubs. Chairman, Marketing Committee, 1996-1998. Membership Development Chairman, 1991-1996. District Governor, 1986-1987. Secretary and Treasurer, Youth Exchange Program. Runs workshops and seminars, nationally and internationally, to assist Membership Development Officers and Membership Extension Officers.

Involved with the writing and production of instructional and membership manuals. Deputy District Governor, District Level - 201N5, c1979-1986; District Treasurer; District Governor; Chairman, Membership, Extension and Leadership Committee; District Governor Adviser; District Assistant Cabinet Secretary, 1979. Member, Sydney North West Lions Club, since 2002. Member, Kellyville Lions Club, 1979-2002; President 1981-1982. Charter Member, Lions Club of Riverstone and District, 1971-1979; President, 1974-1975; President of the Formation Committee for the Lions Clubs of Wisemans Ferry and Kellyville.

Life Member, Australasian Promotional Products Association; current Board Member; President, 1990-1994 and 1998-2000; Founding Member.

Mr Graeme John (Dick) MURDOCH - OAM

Altona Vic 3018 For service to local government and to the community of Altona.

City Councillor, City of Altona, 1992-1994.

Past Mayor and Councillor, City of Hobsons Bay, 1996-2004.

President, Newport Baseball Club; Life Member. Member, Committee of Management, State Baseball/Softball Centre, 1996-2005. Principal, Altona West Primary School, 1987-1997.

President, Altona Lions Club, 1986-1987; Life Member; Member of District Cabinet, for 3 years; current Member. Acting Chairperson, Mobil Community Consultative Committee, Altona; Member, 1996-2005.

Chair of Adjudication Panel, Williamstown Little Theatre, 1996-1998. Director, Altona Meadows-Laverton and Altona Community Bank. President, Altona Probus Club. Awards include: Australian Sports Medal, 2000.

Mr Desmond Joseph PENTREATH - OAM

Lockington Vic 3563 For service to the community of Lockington through a range of business, aged care, service and heritage organisations.

Inaugural Member, Lockington Community Care Committee Inc, since 1992.

Volunteer Building Supervisor for 10 aged care units.

Involved in the establishment of the Elmore/Lockington and District Community Bank and the Lockington District Business Centre, 2003-2004. Co-ordinator, Lockington and District Community Action Plan, since 1995. Inaugural Member, Lockington District Heritage Centre, since 1993.

Committee Member and Public Officer, Lockington Channel Committee Inc, for over 10 years.

Involved in the establishment of the Lockington Community Centre, 1980; Committee Member on the old Community Hall since 1953.

Charter Member, Lockington Lions Club, since 1972.

Involved in the establishment of a memorial to Kevin Sarre (a local world class shearer).

Awards/recognition include: Citizen of the Year, Rochester Shire, 1993.

Mr Maxwell Simpson PRIOR - OAM

Jamestown SA 5491 For service to the community of Jamestown through a range of health care, sporting and service organisations.

Inaugural Chairman, Jamestown Health, Ambulance and Medical Centre, since 1990. Chairman, Jamestown Hospital and Health Services Board, 1986-1992 and 1997-2003; Chairman, Finance Committee; Vice-Chairman, 1992 –1997; Board Member, for 29 years.

Served as Representative for Northern and Mid North Hospitals of South Australia to South Australian Hospitals Association Board.

Secretary/Treasurer, Heartbeat Inc Jamestown Branch, since 2000; Treasurer, for 5 years. Inaugural Chairman. Secretary/Treasurer, St John Ambulance Brigade, 1966-1979. Driver and Attendant, 1966-1979.

Secretary, Lions Club of Jamestown, 1992 and 2000-2005. Committee Member, for 29 years; President, 1991; Assistant Secretary, 1998; Treasurer, 1976; and Zone Chairman. Co-ordinator of Lions Club Blood Courier service, for 20 years. Secretary/Treasurer, Victoria Park Trust (sportsgrounds), 1966-1991.

Life Member, Belalie North Cricket Club. Justice of the Peace, since 1969.

Local Coroner, since 1990. Town Clerk, Corporation of the Town of Jamestown, 1966-1991.

Awards/recognition include: Northern Areas Council, Citizen of the Year, 2004.

David George SKINNER - OAM

Albury NSW 2640 For service to the community, particularly through Lions Australia, and through the provision of pro bono legal services to sporting and aged care groups.

Service through Lions Australia includes: District Governor, District 201 V6, 1998-1999; Immediate Past District Governor, 1999-2000; Vice District Governor, 1997-1998; Deputy District Governor, 1987-1988; Zone Chairman, 1986-1987; Chairman, District Constitution and By Laws, 1988-1997 and since 2000; Chairman, Membership Extension, 2001-2002; Administration Officer, 2001-2002; Founding Director and Secretary, District 201 V6 Foundation, since 1996; and former Director, Victoria State Lions Foundation.

Chairman, Multiple District Council, Multiple District 201, 1999-2000; Legal Counsel, since 2000; current Member of the Executive; and Co-Trustee, Lions Australia Charitable Fund and Lions Australia Overseas Charitable Fund.

Charter Secretary, Lions Club of Culcairn, 1983; President; Secretary, for 11 terms; Treasurer; Director; Member of the Board; Life Member. Foundation Director, Lifeline (Albury Wodonga), early 1980s. Founding Director, Voluntary Services to Indigenous Communities Foundation. Foundation Member, Regional Council for Social Development, Albury Wodonga. Past President and Director, Albury Repertory Company. Zone Secretary, Apex; National Chairman for 'Cancel Cancer' scheme.

Has provided pro bono legal work to a number of community organisations, including Kiltearn House Aged Care Hostel; Culcairn Show Society; Culcairn Centenary Trust; Culcairn Football Club; Culcairn Senior Citizens' Trust; Culcairn Golf Club; and the Culcairn Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia Solicitor and Senior Partner, D G Skinner and Associates. Past Secretary, Albury and District Law Society. Member, Taxation Institute of Australia Member, Association of Taxation and Management Accountants Member, London College of Music Awards/recognition includes:

Centenary Medal, 2001. Has received numerous Lions Australia awards.

Mr Maurice Wilton SMITH - OAM

Normanhurst NSW 2076 For service to the community of Auburn through ex-service, aged care, service and church organisations.

Committee Member, Auburn Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia, 1986-1990; Member, since 1970. Committee Member, New South Wales RSL Youth Council, 1981-1991.

Committee Member, Auburn-Lidcombe RSL Youth Club, 1981-1991. Committee Member, Auburn Neighbourhood Community Aid Centre, for 36 years; Treasurer, for 18 years; also Secretary, Vice-President and President. Volunteer, Auburn Meals on Wheels, for 13 years.

Founding Member, Auburn Lions Club, 1957; President, 1960 and 1961-1962; continued active membership until he retired in 2000.

Member, Rotary Club of Auburn, 1979-1998 when club was disbanded; held various executive positions.

Involved in Uniting Church in Australia, for 70 years; Lay Preacher.

Active member of many community organisations in Auburn, from 1950s to 2000. Deputy Mayor, Auburn Council, 1988-1989; Councillor, 1982-1991.

Current Electorate Office volunteer, Mrs Judith Hopwood MLA, State Member for Hornsby.

Current Electorate Office volunteer, Mr Philip Ruddock MP, Federal Member for Berowa. Awards/recognition include: Centenary Medal, 2001. Certificate of Appreciation, Auburn Council, 'Year of the Volunteer', 2001. Premier's Award for service to the community, 1995. Recognition Award, Local Government Association of New South Wales, 1991. Premier's Award, for his service to the community, 1988.

Meritorious service to the community, Rotary Citizenship Award, 1986. Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Auburn.

Mr James Thomas (Ray) STOKIE - OAM

Port Fairy Vic 3284 For service to the community of Port Fairy through a range of sporting, ex-service and social organisations.

President, Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club, 1992-2000; Vice-President, 1967-1969; Secretary, 1961-1965 and since 2001; Secretary/Treasurer, 1970-1973; Club Captain, 1971; Life Member; Member, since 1954. Secretary, Port Fairy Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia, since 1984; Assistant Secretary, for 7 years; Life Member; Member, since 1974.

1st Vice-President, Port Fairy-Belfast Lions Club; current Member, Annual Art Show Committee; Spinning Wheels Committee, Youth of the Year Committee, and Raffles Committee.

President, Port Fairy Probus Club, for 2 terms; current Committee Member.

Treasurer, Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club; former President. Fire Captain, Port Fairy Urban Fire Brigade, for 8 years; Member, for 18 years.

Current Member, Port Fairy Moynanna Festival Committee.

Current volunteer, Port Fairy Folk Festival. Member, Port Fairy Football Club; current gatekeeper.

Member, Port Fairy Youth Club.

Member, Port Fairy Little Athletics Club. Awards/recognition include: Life Member, Surf Life Saving Australia, 2005.

Meritorious Medal, Returned and Services League of Australia, 2005. Citizen of the Year, Moyne Shire, 2000. A J Holding Community Service Award, 1998.

Mr Peter James THOMAS - OAM

Torquay Vic 3228 For service to the community of Torquay, particularly through support for local health care organisations.

Deputy Chair, Board of Directors, Barwon Health, since 2002; Board Member, for 7 years; Chairman, Research and Ethics Committee, Geelong Hospital, 2000-2003. Chair, Capital Project Control Group for the redevelopment of The Grace McKellar Centre, Geelong (rehabilitation centre. Geelong Hospital Emergency Department, 2004.

Geelong Hospital Andrew Love Cancer Centre, 2004. Volunteer, Torquay Community Health Centre, 1991. Current President, Torquay Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia; Foundation Secretary, 2001.

President, Torquay Lions International Club, 1996; Chairman, Torquay Lions Retirement Village, 1998-2004; Member, since 1993; Zone Chairman, 1997; Secretary, 1993.

 

Roving Ambassador, Australia Remembers, 1995.

Mr Neville Francis TOLL - OAM

Gilgandra NSW 2827 For service to the community of Gilgandra through a range of sporting and service groups.

Executive Member, Gilgandra Golf Club, for 33 years; Honorary Secretary, for 21 years; Life Member. Committee Member, Gilgandra Rugby League Club. Service Director, Gilgandra Lions Club, since 1995; Charter Member, 1977; Executive Member, for 27 years; has held positions such as President, Vice-President, Treasurer for 5 years, and Director; as Service Director, organises aged care projects, environmental projects and entertainment events.

Also involved in assisting the Cooee Retirement Village, Gilgandra Hospital, Gilgandra Jockey Club, Cooee Festival, Rodeo Committee, and the Country Women's Association of NSW.

Awards/recognition include: Citizen of the Year, Gilgandra Shire Council, 2000.

Mr Alan Maxwell (Tassie) WHELAN - OAM

Forrest Vic 3236 For service to the community of Forrest through sporting, church and service organisations.

Member, Forrest Football Club, since 1940; President, for 20 years; Vice-President, for 18 years; Club Delegate, for 30 years; Coach, for 9 years; player, for 28 years. Instrumental in the reforming of the Club in 1987 after it went into recess in 1986. Volunteer with maintenance, gate takings, bar service and catering. Member, Church Committee, St James' Anglican Church, for 50 years; People's Warden, 1966-1974; represented Forrest as a Central Councillor.

Appointed Guardian of St James, 1993. Involved in the maintenance of the church and its grounds.

Founding Member, Forrest and District Lions Club, since 1983; President, for one term. Member, Forrest Recreation Reserve Committee. Member, Gerangamete Fire Brigade. Awards include: Australian Sports Medal, 2000. Colac-Otway Shire Community Service Award, 2000.