Natonal Honours Advisory Committee - Selected Biographies

CRUTHERS Sir James Winter - AO

 

WELSH Mr David - AM

 

BENJAMIN Mr Darell Henry - OAM

BIDGOOD Lieutenant Colonal Anthony Charles RFD ED (Retired) - OAM

BRADY Mr John Joseph - OAM

 

CARTWRIGHT Mrs Edna May - OAM

COVENTRY Mr Kenneth John (Ken) - OAM

CURTIS Mr Douglas John - OAM

 

DAWSON Mr Stanley - OAM

DROGEMULLER Mr Norman Roy- OAM

 

HOLMES Mr William - OAM

HOWITT Mr William James - OAM

 

KENNETT Mr James Thomas - OAM

 

LAKSHMANAN Dr Arunachalam - OAM

 

MOORE Mrs Joan Bridget - OAM

NEWNHAM Mr John Francis - OAM
NICHOL Mr James Henry - OAM

 

SHERIDAN Mr Albert Brinsley - OAM
SKEEN Mr Ronald Joseph - OAM
STEEL Mr Robert John - OAM

VERNHAM Mrs Katariina - OAM
VINEY Mr Noel Reginald - OAM

WICKRAMA Dr Ubeyasiri Wijeyananda - OAM

Sir James Winter CRUTHERS - AO

Claremont WA 6010.

For service to the community of Western Australia through support and involvement with a wide range of community and charitable organisations, particularly in the fields of health and medical research, to the media, and the arts.

Sir James was named Knight Bachelor in 1980 for his services to television and to the arts in Western Australia. The following summarises his service and achievements since then.

Founding and current Patron, Lions Eye Institute; Vice-President, Fundraising Campaign, 1993-1995, raising over $3 million.
Chairman, Fundraising Appeal Committee, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Curtin University of Technology, 1991-1994, raising over $16 million.

Other fundraising involvements include support of the Arthritis Foundation; Vice-President, TVW Telethon Institute of Child Health Research, 1994-1996, raising more than $11 million; and the Government House Foundation.

Contribution/loan of personal art collections to organisations, including the University of Western Australia, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Wilson Art Gallery and the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
Board Member, Art Gallery of Western Australia, 1990-1991.
Founding Governor, Western Australian Museum Foundation.

Member, Senate Development Committee, University of Western Australia; Patron, Hackett Foundation; Board Member, Berndt Museum of Anthology.

Board Member, WA Research Institute for Child Health; Vice-President, Fundraising Campaign.
Chairman, Ophthalmic Day Surgery Trust, 1993-1995.
Chairman, Friends of the WA Cancer Institute, 1990-1992.

Member, Rottnest Island Foundation, 1986-1992.
Member, WA Branch, National Trust of Australia.
Vice-Chairman, Urological Research Centre Campaign, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, 1995-1996.

Board Member, Oz Concert.
Chairman, Australian Film Commission, 1982-1983.
Chairman, WA Betting Control Board, 1982-1983.
Foundation Member, Australian Children's TV Foundation, 1979-1983.

Vice-Chairman, the former WA Institute of Technology (now Curtin University of Technology), 1982-1983; Council Member, 1977-1983.

Life Member, Princess Margaret Children's Medical Research Foundation.

Recent appointments include Board Member, Positive Ageing Foundation of Western Australia; Vice-Patron and Trustee of the Surf Life Saving Association; Board Member, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research; and Patron, RSL Veterans Aged Care Foundation, formed to provide accommodation for ex-service personnel.

Business roles include Executive with The News Corporation Ltd, New York, London and Australia, 1981-2002; Chairman, Sunday Times, Perth, 1990-2001; Vice-Chairman, News America Publishing Inc, 1984-1990; Director, United Telecasters (Sydney) Ltd, 1981-1986; Director, Bunnings Ltd, 1982-1983; Director, Westralian Sands Ltd, 1982-1983; and Chairman and Manager, TVW Enterprises Ltd, 1975-1981.

Other awards/recognition include:
Centenary Medal, 2001.
Honorary Doctor of Letters (business and community), University of Western Australia, 2005.
WA Citizen of the Year (industry and commerce), 1980.

Mr David WELSH - AM

Frankston Vic 3199

For service to the community, particularly through the Lions Eye Health Program - Australia and the Lions Corneal Donation Service.

National Chairman, Lions Eye Health Program - Australia, since 2000; appointed by Lions Clubs International Foundation; Founding Chairman, 1999.
Chairman, Lions Corneal Donation Service (also known as Lions Eye Bank), Melbourne, since mid-1990s; Management Committee Member, since 1991.
Board Member (Lions Representative), Centre for Eye Research Australia, 1996-2006; Chairman, Lions Low Vision Initiative; Member, Finance and Audit Committee.
Treasurer, Eye Bank Committee, Victorian Lions Foundation; committee raised over $1.5 million to establish the Lions Eye Bank, 1980s.

Charter Member, Lions Club of Frankston, 1961; has served in all executive positions including as President on 4 occasions; still an active Member.

District Governor for Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula and Tasmania, Lions International, 1971-1972.

Former President, Lions Licola Youth Camp Committee.

Founding President, Baden Powell Pre-School Committee.
Founding President, Baden Powell Cricket Club, 1963-1972.

Current Chairman of Directors, Ritchie Stores Pty Ltd; operating 54 independent supermarkets in Victoria and NSW.
Solicitor, admitted to practice, 1959.
Member, Law Institute of Victoria, 1960-2006.

Mr Darell Henry BENJAMIN - OAM

Moe Vic 3825

For service to the community, particularly through fundraising activities for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Moe Coordinator, Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, since 1980; has raised in excess of $500,000 during this time.

Committee Member, Lions Club of Moe, for 6 years; served as Secretary and Director.

Deputy Chairman, Yallourn Bowling Club, since 2004; Secretary, 2003-2004.

Awards/recognition include:
Citizen of the Year, Latrobe City Council, 2004.

Lieutenant Colonal Anthony Charles BIDGOOD RFD ED (Retired) - OAM

North Hobart Tas 7000

For service to the community, particularly to the Tasmania Police Pipe Band and through a range of ex-service organisations.

Drum Major, Tasmania Police Pipe Band, for 9 years; Treasurer, for 15 years; Executive Member, for 20 years; piper and playing member, since 1986.
Has been involved in the preparation/coordination/organisation of a number of tattoo appearances including Edinburgh, Scotland, 1989 and 2002; Hawaii, 1995; Hong Kong, 1996; Tasmania Police Centenary Tattoo, 1999; Adelaide International Police Tattoo, 2001 and 2003; and the Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney, 2005.
Was the Massed Pipes and Drums adviser, planner, trainer and Command Drum Major for the New Zealand Searchlight Tattoo, 1999 and 2004; Tasmanian Military Tattoo, 2004; and the Launceston Bicentenary Tattoo, 2006.

State President, Naval, Military and Air Force Club of Tasmania, 2004-2007.
Chieftain, St Andrew Society, 1997-1999.

Past State President, Royal United Services Institute of Tasmania; National Councillor.
Member and volunteer, Military Museum of Tasmania.
Official Tour Guide, Anglesea Barracks.
Past State President, CMF Association (now the Defence Reserves Association); National Councillor.
Former Councillor, Regimental Council, The Royal Tasmania Regiment.

Founding Member, TRT Association.
Former Treasurer, RAASC Officers Association.

Municipal Coordinator, State Emergency Service, Beaconsfield, 1976-1980.
Secretary/Treasurer, Beaconsfield Football Club, 1977-1980.

Former Member, Lions Clubs of Beauty Point and Hobart Town.

Former President, school's P&F Association.

Awards include:
Reserve Force Decoration, for long service as an officer

Mr John Joseph BRADY - OAM

Barwon Heads Vic 3227

For service to the community of the Geelong region through support for a range of charitable, sporting and social welfare organisations.

Secretary, St Vincent's Old Boys Network, since ca2001.

Representative, Heritage and Information Service Committee, MacKillop Family Services, 1999-2004; currently assists with fundraising and catering activities.

Current Member, Barwon Heads Football Club, for over 30 years; former junior team coach and sponsor.
Life Member, Barwon Heads Cricket Club.

Supporter, Sacred Heart Mission, for the past 8 years.
Supporter, St Mary's House of Welcome.

Current Member, Lions Club of Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove; President, on 2 occasions; also served as Secretary.

Councillor, former South Barwon Council (now part of Greater Geelong City Council), 1980-1985.

Awards include:
James Richardson Service Award, Lions Club of Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove.

Mrs Edna May CARTWRIGHT - OAM

Box Hill South Vic 3128

For service to the community through a range of civic, church and service organisations.

Foundation and Board Member, Box Hill Palliative Care Service (part of the Eastern Palliative Care Association), for 8 years.

Area Manager, Neighbourhood Watch Area G59, from ca1997.

Current Member, Holy Trinity Anglican Church; Founding Member, Mothers' Union, from ca1957.

Volunteer, Top Ten Cub, City of Whitehorse (social club for elderly citizens), for many years until recently; Member, Council Ward Contact Group (former City of Box Hill).

Various fundraising activities including volunteer, Box Hill Opportunity Shop, for 2 weeks each year prior to Christmas.
Member, Lions Club of Mitcham, since 1993.

President, Lioness Club of Surrey Hills, on 2 occasions; Secretary, on 5 occasions; Member, for over 14 years.
State President, Mental Health Authority, for 2 years.

Member, Fundraising Auxiliary, Box Hill Hospital Silver Jubilee Appeal, 1980s.

Awards/recognition include:
Citizen of the Year, Whitehorse City Council, 1996.

Mr Kenneth John (Ken) COVENTRY- OAM

Murray Bridge SA 5253

For service to local government, particularly the Rural City of Murray Bridge, and to the community through a range of civic, sporting and service groups.

Councillor, Mobilong Ward, Rural City of Murray Bridge, 2003-2006.
Duties included involvement with a range of committees including:
- Chairman, Organising Committee, 2007 SA Regional Masters Games.
- Chairman, Murray Bridge 50th Commemoration 1956 Flood Committee.
- Chairman, Library Facilities Committee.
- Member, Community Cultural Development Advisory Committee.
- Member, Internal Control and Audit Committee.
- Member, Strategic Plan Review Committee.
- Delegate, Provincial Cities Association.
- Liaison with the Murray Bridge SES Group.
- Proprietor/Secretary/Treasurer/Board Member, Lerwin Nursing Home.
Chief Executive Officer, Rural City of Murray Bridge, 1974-1998.
District Clerk, District Council of Snowtown, 1971-1974.

Former Member, Local Government Managers Australia; Fellow.
Consultant Chief Executive Officer, Murray and Mallee Local Government Association, 2000-2004.
President/Secretary, Murray Bridge Tourist Association.
President, Southern and Hills Branch, Institute of Municipal Management.
Chairperson, River Murray Councils Chief Executive Officers' Liaison Committee.
Chair/Convenor, Provincial Cities Bus Board.

Deputy Chairman/Executive Member, Murraylands Regional Development Board.
Secretary, Murraylands Local Government Association, for 13 years.

Chairman, Dog and Cat Management Board of South Australia, 1998-2004; Board Member, 1995-2004.

Establishment Chairman, Provincial Cities Association of South Australia.

Local Government Association Representative, Natural Resources Forum, South Australia.
Returning Officer, State House of Assembly, since 1973.

Chairman, Community Lifestyles Inc, Murray Bridge; supporting people with disabilities.
Chairman, River Murray Football League Tribunal; Member, for 18 years.
Chair, Murray Bridge Basketball Association Tribunal.
Vice-Patron, Murray Bridge Basketball Association.
Junior Basketball Coach.

Inaugural Secretary, Lions Club of Snowtown.

Member/Director, Apex Club of Murray Bridge.

Lay Preacher, Murray Bridge, for 15 years.
Justice of the Peace, from 1974.

Mr Douglas John CURTIS - OAM

Balaklava SA 5461

For service to education, particularly through the development of a range of programs and initiatives at Lucindale Area School and Roxby Downs Area School, and to the community.

Principal, Lucindale Area School, 1988-1995; established the school's academic and agriculture programs and facilities and practices in the areas of open-access education, aquaculture, animal husbandry, machinery maintenance, engineering, technology and vocational training.

Principal, Roxby Downs Area School, 1995-2000.

Involved in developing school and community initiatives for young people, including a Commonwealth funded boarding facility and a sustainable farming program supported by the community and various industry groups.

Involved in the establishment and building of the Roxby Downs Uniting Church.

Member, Lucindale and Roxby Downs Lions Clubs, 1989-1998.

Since retirement, has taught technical studies at a local private school, driven a local school bus, and managed the local school swimming pool.

Travelled to Thailand in 2006, with an Australian group, to help build an orphanage for children whose parent(s) had died from AIDS.

Mr Stanley DAWSON - OAM

Bogangar NSW 2488

For service to the community, particularly through Lions Clubs International.

International Director, Lions Clubs International, 1992-1994; Chairman, Host Committee, 1991 Lions International Convention, Brisbane.

District Governor, Lions District 201 Q3, 1981-1982; Deputy District Governor, 1979-1980; Zone Chairman, 1976-1977; Membership Chairman, 1983.

Current Member, Cabarita Beach / Pottsville Beach Lions Club); has held various positions.
Member, Nundah Lions Club, from 1973; served as President, Vice-President, Secretary and Director.

President, Apex Club of Nundah; Life Member; Member, 1960-1973.

Board Chairman, Golden Years Senior Citizens Centre, Nundah, 1977-1986; Building Chairman, appointed 1975; Life Member.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Trans Australian Airlines, 1956-1989.
Co-Founder, Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, 1961.
Awards/recognition include:

Premier of Queensland's Inaugural Award, in recognition of his outstanding work for senior citizens.

Melvin Jones Fellow, Lions Clubs International.
President's Award, Lions Clubs International.

'Mentioned in Despatches', during the Korean War while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Mr Norman Roy DROGEMULLER - OAM

Walkerville SA 5081

For service to arbitration and mediation, particularly in the areas of architecture and construction, and to the community.

Current Graded Arbitrator, Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia; Fellow.
Chairman, SA Chapter, 1989-1990; Committee Member, 1982-1996; Member, since 1974.
Has provided pro-bono mediation for organisations including the Bowden/Brompton Community Centre and the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Current Sole Practitioner, Norman Drogemuller; arbitration services.

Current Member, Australian Branch, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Senior Councillor, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, since 1994; Member, SA Practice Committee, since 1967; Life Fellow.

Fellow, Australian Institute of Energy.

Has designed 85 church-related projects, including community centres and schools, for the South Australian and Victorian Districts of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
Council Member, St Stephen's Lutheran Church, Adelaide, 1958-1993; Steward, 1948-2000; Member, Department of Worship; Chairman, Commission of Visual Arts, 1978-1990; Member, for over 50 years.

Member, Concordia College Council, 1966-1990.

Current Member, Lions Club of City of Adelaide.
Vice-President, Campbelltown Lions Club, for 2 terms; Guest Speaker Chairman, 1998-2006; Life Member; Member, 1998-2006.
President, Walkerville/North Adelaide Lions Club, 1991; Member, 1988-1998.
President, Marion Lions Club, 1969 and 1978; Member, 1963-1988.
Involved in the establishment of the Willunga and Districts Lions Club, 1977-1978.

Awards include:
James Richardson Honour Award, Campbelltown Lions Club.

Mr William HOLMES - OAM

Coromandel Valley SA 5051

For service to the community, particularly through the hearing dogs program of Lions Australia.

Executive Officer, Lions Hearing Dogs, since 1999; National Chairman, from 1992.

Chairman, National Council Lions Australia, 1991-1992; Secretary, Adelaide 2005 National Convention, 2002-2005.
District Governor, Lions District 201 S3 (comprising part of South Australia and the whole of the Northern Territory), 1990-1991; District Officer, for many years.

Ran the Leadership Skills Course for Lions Districts 201 S1, 201 S2, and 201 S3, for many years; currently conducts training for incoming District Cabinet Officers.

Member, Lions Club of Mitcham, since 1993.
Member, Lions Club of Flagstaff Hill, from 1985.
President, Lions Club of Casuarina, 1983-1984; Member, 1973-1984.
Charter Secretary, Lions Club of Hallett Cove and District; involved in the establishment of the club.

Mr William James HOWITT- OAM

Narrandera NSW 2700

For service to the community of Narranderra, particularly through the provision of support for people with disabilities and through a range of church, service and educational organisations.

Board Member, Kurrajong Waratah, since 2005; provides support, training and opportunities for people with a disability; Life Member.
President, Cypress Centre, elected 1984 and 1995; provides employment opportunities for people with a disability, and merged with Kurrajong Waratah in 2005; Executive Member, for approximately 25 years; involved, since 1976; Life Member.

Current President, Parish Council, St Mel's Catholic Church; Member, for 25 years; current Church Reader; Chairman, St Mel’s Centenary Committee, since 2006.

Member, John O'Brien Heritage Committee, 2006.
Current Treasurer, Centre of Charity at Narrandera, St Mel's Conference, and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Member, Narrandera Shire Council Heritage Committee, since 2006.
Member, Narrandera Shire Council Sports Committee, since 2006.

Member, Narrandera Lions Club, since 2003; Chairman, Youth of the Year, since 2003; coordinator, Carols by Candlelight, since 2005.

Member, Narrandera Rodeo Committee.
Member, Narrandera Sports Stadium Committee, 1982.
Examiner, NSW Royal Life Saving Society, since 1982.

Current Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Murrumbidgee Regional Council; has held various roles, for approximately 30 years.

Teacher, Narrandera High School, 1986-2003; Member, Learning Support Team; developed and implemented programs for students with mild to severe learning difficulties; implemented individual student education and transition programs.
Teacher, Narrandera Public School, 1975-1985.
Life Member, Narrandera Teachers Association, 2002.
Board Member, St Francis College, Leeton, 1982-1986.

Awards/recognition include:
Australian Sports Medal, 2000.
NSW Director General’s Award for Excellent Service to Public Schools, 1997.
Citizen of the Year, Narrandera Shire, 1983.

Mr James Thomas KENNETT- OAM

Bombala NSW 2632

For service to the community of Bombala, particularly through organisations that support the welfare of veterans and their families.

Treasurer, Bombala Sub-Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia, since 1967; Secretary, 1994-2003; President, 1963-1966; Life Member.
Secretary, Bombala RSL Club, 1967-1977; Treasurer, 1961-1979; Life Member.

Legatee, Cooma-Bombala Legacy, since 1974.

Charter Member, Bombala Lions Club, 1970.

Freemason, Freemasons NSW and ACT, since 1957; District Grand Inspector of Workings, Worshipful Master, Masonic Lodge Chairman, during the period 1969-1986.

Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Bombala, 2002.

Current Member, Bombala Catholic Parish.

Awards include:
Meritorious Service Medal, Returned and Services League of Australia, ca1998.

Dr Arunachalam LAKSHMANAN - OAM

Holbrook NSW 2644

For service to medicine and the community of Holbrook as a general practitioner and through a range of philanthropic activities.

General Practitioner, Holbrook Medical Practice, since 1971.
Visiting Medical Officer (VMO), Holbrook Health Service, since 1971.
Ex-Officio Director, (then) Board of Directors, Holbrook Hospital; and remains Ex-Officio Director, Holbrook Hospital.
Ex-Officio Director, Holbrook Aged Care Services Committee, Greater Hume Shire Council, since 2005.
Director, Border GP Division, 2004-2006.

Current Member, Holbrook Lions Club, for more than 26 years.

Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Holbrook, 2004.

Member, Australian Medical Association, for the past 36 years.
Member, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, for more than 33 years.
Fellow, Rural and Remote Medicine, for more than 5 years.

Worked with the late Professor Fred Hollows AC at the Prince Henry, Prince of Wales Hospital for one term in 1971 after migrating from India.
Worked at the Madras Eye Hospital, 1967-1970; produced a theory on intra-ocular lens after cataract surgery.

Has donated greatly to the community of Holbrook for various medical needs since 1971, including:
- $10,000 (in 1986) and $100,000 (in 2002) towards Aged Care Accommodation, Greater
Hume Shire Council (Holbrook Retirement Village, Kala Court).
- $10,000, Holbrook Hospital, 1988; to build a nursing home attached to the hospital.
- $100,000 towards building the Hindu Temple in Helensborough.

Assisted 4 engineering students and 2 medical students in India to complete their tertiary education.

Awards/recognition include:
Holbrook Citizen of the Year, 2002.

Mrs Joan Bridget MOORE - OAM

Mareeba Qld 4880

For service to the community, particularly through the Queensland Branch of the Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants' League.

President, Queensland Branch, Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants' League, since 2002; current President, Far North Queensland Zone; President, Mareeba Sub-Branch, since 2000.
Far North Queensland Representative, Queensland Seniors Council, Queensland Department of Communities, since 2005.

Current Member, Friends Committee, Mareeba Garden Settlement Nursing Home and Hostel.
Member, Cyclone Larry Relief Distribution Sub-Committee, Mareeba Shire Council, 2006.
Volunteer, Great Wheelbarrow Race, 2004 and 2006.

Current President, Mareeba Lioness Club, for several years.

Current Member, Mareeba Ambulance Committee, for several years.
Current Committee Member, Tablelands Home Assist Service.
Executive Member, Mareeba Meals on Wheels, prior to 2003.
Current Organiser, Mareeba Pink Ribbon Day, since 2005.
Member, Mareeba International Women's Day Committee, since 2004.
Current Member, Mareeba Australia Day Committee.
Current fundraiser and supporter, Mareeba State High School.
Current volunteer, Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre.
Current Secretary, Mareeba Neighbourhood Watch.
Volunteer, Mareeba District Chamber of Commerce, 1999-2005.
Current Member, St Thomas' Catholic Church.
Former President, Treasurer and Convenor, Mareeba Hospital Auxiliary; no longer exists.

Awards/recognition include:
Citizen of the Year, Mareeba Shire Council, 2004.
Queensland Premier's Award for Seniors, 2004.

Mr John Francis NEWNHAM - OAM

Southbank Vic 3006

For service to the community, particularly in aged care, Australian Red Cross and Lions.

Deputy Chairman, Claremont Home (Aged Care), 1992-2002; Chairman, House Committee, 1992-2002; Member, Committee of Management, 1989-2002; Honorary Life Governor.

Emergency Services Liaison Officer, Australian Red Cross, Victoria, 2002-2004; Single Incident Emergency Assistance Purchasing Officer, 1998-2006; Deputy Registration Officer, 1998-2002.

President, Secretary and Treasurer, Lions Club of South Melbourne (now Lions Club of Port Phillip); Member, 1982-2004.

Treasurer, Air Scouts New South Wales, 1976-1980.
Assistant Area Commissioner, Bayside, Victoria, 1970-1972.
Group Scout Master, 3rd Mordialloc Group, Victoria, 1962-1970.

Mr James Henry NICHOL - OAM

ACT

For service to the community of Canberra as a volunteer with a range of organisations.

Since retirement, Mr Nichol has provided voluntary assistance to local residents, particularly aged pensioners and widows, through general maintenance chores, gardening, and transport to appointments.

Member, Anglican Parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Curtin, for 35 years; also provides assistance to parishioners with lawn mowing and general handyman duties.
Gardening and general assistance to Canberra Masonic Homes.
Volunteer driver, National Brain Injury Foundation, Hughes, transports people affected by brain injury to various venues and appointments, including weekly visits to the Lions Club Youthhaven Horticulture Project at Kambah.

Mr Albert Brinsley SHERIDAN - OAM

Salamander Bay NSW 2317

For service to the community of the Port Stephens region through a range of health, aged care, service and local government organisations.

Chair, Port Stephens Hospital Action Group, 2003-2006.

Coordinated the Salamander Bay Rotary Club appeal to provide a hydrotherapy pool for a youth suffering from cerebral palsy, 2006.

Treasurer and Management Committee Member, Port Stephens Community Care, 2003-2004.
Recently organised and participated in fundraising events to benefit Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle and the Cancer Council of NSW.
Organised and compered charity concerts to fund the installation of air conditioning at Nelson Bay and District Polyclinic, 2004.
Organised free concerts for clients of Meals on Wheels, 2003-2005.

Compere and soloist with entertainment group giving regular free concerts at local aged care facilities and Newcastle-based nursing homes, since 2003.

Compere, Carols by Candlelight Celebration, Nelson Bay, 2003.

Involved with the Cancer Council of NSW 'Relay for Life' in 2006, raising over $2,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships.

Deputy Shire President, Hawkesbury Shire Council, 1986-1987; Councillor, 1983-1987.
Chief Health and Building Surveyor, Colo Shire Council, 1964-1980 prior to the amalgamation forming Hawkesbury Shire Council in 1981.
Deputy Chairman, Hawkesbury River County Council, 1985-1987.

Chairman, Home Care Service NSW (Hawkesbury Branch), for 4 years.
Director, Hawkesbury District Hospital, 1979-1986; including three 2 years' terms as Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer.
Director, Castlereagh Area Health Service, 1987.

President, Lions Club of Kempsey.
Zone Chairman, Lions District 201N1, for 4 years.

Member, Kurrajong and Windsor Rotary Clubs, for 6 years.
Conducted door knock appeals for the Australian Red Cross, for several years.

Awards/recognition include:
NRMA Helping People Award, 2006; total award of $20,000 including a donation of $10,000 to the charity of the winner's choice (Ronald McDonald House, Newcastle).
Port Stephens Council Service Award, 2006; recognising his outstanding service to the community of Port Stephens.
Community Service Award, Rotary Club of Salamander Bay, 2005.
Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Hawkesbury Shire Council, 1983.

Mr Ronald Joseph SKEEN - OAM

For service to the community through Lions International.

Cabinet Secretary, Lions Australia District 201N2, 1994-1995, 1999-2000, 2005-2006 and 2007-2008; Chairman, Constitution and By-Laws, 2001-2003 and 2006-2007; Cabinet Treasurer, 2003-2005; District Governor, 2001-2003; Chairman, Membership Committee, 2002; Vice District Governor, 1999-2000; Chairman, Leadership, Training and Development Team, 1998-1999; Team Member, 1996-1998.

President, Lions Club, Canberra Belconnen, 1996-1999.

Chairman, Region 4, 1995-1996.

President, Lions Club of Bega, 1993-1994; Bulletin Editor, 1989-1991.
Chairman and Guiding Lion, Canberra Gungahlin Branch.
Chairman and Guiding Lion, Namadgie New Century Lions.
Member, since 1989.

Chairman and Trustee, Australian Lions Children's Mobility Foundation, 2001-2005; Member, 2001-2006; Founding Member, 2001.

Chairman, Organising Committee, 1998 Lions Multiple District Convention, 1995-1998.

'Lions' awards/recognition include:
Certified Guiding Lion, 2003.
District Governor's Appreciation Plaque, 2002-2003.
District Governor's Appreciation Award, 1996-1997 and 1997-1998.
Cabinet Treasurer Award, 2003-2004; Cabinet Secretary Award, 1994-1995.
Barry J Palmer Recognition Award.
Melvin Jones Fellow, progressive 2006.

Mr Robert John STEEL - OAM

Parkes NSW 2870

For service to the community of Parkes through the establishment of the Elvis Festival and through a range of other community organisations.

With his wife, Anne, established the Elvis Festival, 1993; has been a key organiser of the festival ever since; the event is now established as one of Australia's foremost regional events.

Involved in the establishment of the Parkes Antique Motor Club, in 1974; President; Life Member.

Public Safety Officer, Lions Club of Parkes Clarinda and District, for the past few years; Vice-President; Director, Membership Board; Member, since 1995.

Mrs Katariina VERNHAM - OAM

Beckenham WA 6107

For service to the community of Port Hedland through a range of local government, Indigenous support and sporting organisations.

Councillor, Port Hedland Town Council, 1994-2005; served as a Council representative on a range of committees inter alia:
- Myrtanya Maya Redevelopment Project Working Group, 2000-2005; inaugural Building
Committee.
- Port Hedland Retirement Village Committee, 2000-2005.
- Port Hedland Visitors Centre Management Committee, 2000-2005.
- Chair, Hedland Personnel, 2003-2005.
- Cooke Point Youth Centre, 1995-2005.
- Chair, Matt Dunn Cultural Centre, 1994-2005.
- Pilbara Ward, Country Shire Council's Association, 1994-1998; also represented ward on
the State Executive.
- Corporate Services Committee, Technical Services Committee, Community Development
Committee and Disability Services Committee, 1996-1998.
- Port Hedland Centenary Committee, 1994-1996.

Coordinator, Pilbara Indigenous Women's Aboriginal Corporation, 2003-2006.
Consultant, Employment National, 2001-2003.
Manager, North West Telegraph, 1997-2001.

Founding Member and former player, Jets Softball Club, Port Hedland, from 1975; Life Member; provides ongoing support.

Member, Organising Committee, Pilbara Music Festival, 1987-1995; Coordinator, 1994.

Treasurer, Ladies Auxiliary, South Hedland Lions Club, 1976-1988.

Board Member, St Cecilia's Catholic School, 1984-1988.
Member, Port Hedland Bicentennial Committee, 1986-1988.
Fundraiser, Port Hedland Senior High School's Senior Band.
Involved in fundraising for the purchase of a new ambulance for the Port Hedland Regional Hospital.

Mr Noel Reginald VINEY - OAM

Ulverstone Tas 7315

For service to the community through a range of horticulture, service, surf lifesaving and sporting organisations.

Vice-President, Devonport Orchid Society, since 2005; President, 2002-2005; Member, since 1994.

Member, Ulverstone Lions Club, since 1991.

Member, Ulverstone Council, 1973-1978.

Former District Governor, Apex Tasmania, for one year.
Former President, Ulverstone Apex Club, for one year; Member, 1966-1974.

Secretary, Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club, 1984-1987; Life Member; former President, Nippers (Junior Club), for 15 years; volunteer, 1967-1995.
Former President, Tasmanian Junior Surf Life Saving Association, for 21 years; Life Member; Member, 1969-1995.

President, Ulverstone Basketball Club, 1971-1973; Vice-President, 1974; Member, 1969-1980.
Former President, Ulverstone District Football Club, for 5 years; Life Member; Member, 1986-1996.
President, North West Football Association, for 3 years; Member, 1992-1999.

Dr Ubeyasiri Wijeyananda WICKRAMA - OAM

North Rocks NSW 2151

For service to the Sri Lankan community of New South Wales.

President, Sinhalese Cultural Forum of New South Wales, 1999-2000; Vice-President, 1993-1995; Secretary, 1990 and 1993; Editor, The Sinhala, since 1990; Founding Member, 1990.

Volunteer Teacher, Sinhalese Language Teaching Community School, for many years; helped in the School's establishment, 1990.

Program Developer/Broadcaster, Sinhalese Language Program, SBS Radio, 1992-1997; previously announced on Radio 2EA before it became part of SBS Radio, 1989-1992.

Coordinator, Sahithya Chintha (Sinhalese Literary Festival), 2005.
Established, Sri Lankan Children's Concert, held annually since 1993.
Vice-President, Sri Lanka Association of New South Wales, 1992-1993; Editor, Office Journal, 1989.

Director, Lions Club of North Rocks, 2006.

Teacher, Adult Migrant Education Services, NSW Department of Education and Training, since 1987.
Justice of the Peace for NSW, since 1995; serving the Sri Lankan community in NSW.