CAROLINE Talbot, George Bird, Jan Child, Yvonne Morrison and Elizabeth Wynne have been recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours List awarded Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM) for their dedication and service to their communities.
The Governor-General today announced Honours and Awards for 1042 Australians, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.
“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. Recipients have made a difference and had an impact at the local, national and/or international level. Individually, they are inspiring and collectively they speak to the strength of our communities,” the Governor-General said.
“Recipients come from all parts of the country. They have served and had an impact in just about every field you can imagine; their stories and backgrounds are diverse. We value their service, thank them for their hard work and selflessness and, today, celebrate them.
“To each recipient: know that you have the thanks and respect of your nation. In my experience most are humble and often try to deflect attention or praise – please enjoy the moment because your country has decided that you deserve recognition.”
A recognisable face in the local education sector Mrs Caroline Talbot of Newhaven has been honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of her exceptional service to the community through various organisations. As the Company Secretary and Founding Board Member of San Remo District Financial Services Limited - Bendigo Bank, extending to her role as a Member on the Education Scholarship Selection Panel.
Her dedication to community well-being through her contributions to Bass Coast Health, where she served as the Former Chair of the Community Advisory Committee and as a volunteer, Auxiliary Member, and Treasurer at the San Remo Opportunity Shop. As a Board Member of The Royal Victorian Honorary Justice Association's South Gippsland Branch, where she earned the title of Fellow in 2021 and has been a Justice of the Peace since 2000.
Her roles as a former volunteer at the Phillip Island Information Centre, morning tea conveyor at the Probus Club of Cowes, and a former committee member of the Newhaven Community Hall.
Mrs Talbot’s commitment to education is reflected in her roles at Newhaven Primary School, where she served as Business Manager from 2000 to 2020 and as an employee from 1995 to 2020 with previous roles as part-time administrator at Dudley Primary School from 1986 to 1995 and her significant contributions to Wonthaggi Technical School as president and/or councillor from 1982 to 1994.
Mrs Talbot devoted her time to Scouts Victoria as a Cub Leader from approximately 1970 to 1984 and as a founding member of the Newhaven Scout Group in 1973, earning the Medal of Merit and a Long Service Award with Bar for her extensive service. She also received the Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award from the Bass Coast Shire Council in 2011.
Mr George Leslie Bird, a resident of Inverloch, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the community of Wonthaggi. Mr Bird, has been involved in various organisations and causes for over six decades, making a positive impact on the lives of many people.
Mr Bird is a charter member of the Wonthaggi Lions Club, which he joined in 1961. He has held various positions in the club, including president, vice-president, and treasurer. He is also a life member of the club, and has received several awards for his dedication and leadership. In addition, he served as the district governor and vice-district governor of Lions District 201V3 in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Mr Bird is also a foundation member of the Lance Creek Tennis Club and the Wonthaggi Orchid Society, both of which he still actively supports. He is a former board member of the Wonthaggi Anglican Church, and a generous donor to the Wonthaggi Pony Club. He is also a member of the United Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria since 1957.
Mr Bird's contributions to the community have been recognised by various institutions and authorities. He was named the co-citizen of the year by the Bass Coast City Council in 2009-10, and an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi in 2011-12.
Mrs Yvonne Morrison has been honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to equestrian sport. Mrs Morrison has been involved in various aspects of equestrian sport for many years, both as a participant and a volunteer.
Mrs Morrison is a life member of the Berry’s Creek Pony Club, where she has been a volunteer coach for many years. She has also represented the club at state and international levels, and has taught Olympic disciplines and horsemanship to Pony Club’s around Victoria. She is a volunteer judge at state Pony Club championship competitions, and a team manager and coach for Pony Club of Australia and Equestrian Victoria.
In addition to her work with Pony Club, Mrs Morrison has also contributed to other equestrian events and organisations. She was a former organiser of the Cape Paterson One Day Event Horse Trials, and a former president of the Stony Creek Horse Trials. She is also a level three steward for dressage and show jumping for the Federation Equestrian International, and a former member of the Melbourne Hunt Club.
Mrs Morrison’s achievements and dedication to equestrian sport have been recognised with several awards, including the Speed the Plough Medal from the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria in 2021.
Former registered nurse and current Chief Executive Officer at Bass Coast Health, Jan Child has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her service to community health.
A surveyor of the Australian Council of Healthcare Services and having held a range of roles with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Ms Child's dedication and more than 30 years experience in the public health system has been recognised.
Amongst those also honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Yarram community is Mrs Elizabeth Wynne.
Mrs Wynne is a key figure in various local organisations having served as Vice-President of the Yarram Historical Society since 2013, is a life member and pavilion steward of the Yarram Agricultural Society and life member, committee member and former office bearer of Yarram Golf Club.
She has also spent her time volunteering with Yarram Eisteddfod since the 1980s and Yarram Information Centre and is a member of the Yarram Uniting Church.
For the second consecutive Honours list the majority of recipients in the General Division are women.
Mr Colin Mitchell of NSW was also recognised for his service to the performing arts – Mr Mitchell previously lived in Gippsland and is a life member of Leongatha Lyric Theatre amongst other accomplishments.
Mr Alan Evers-Buckland was recognised for service to the community through a range of role which includes Royal Life Saving Society – Victoria Branch and Wonthaggi Life Saving Club.
For the second consecutive Honours list the majority of recipients in the General Division are women.
“To all Australians: our honours system belongs to all of us and the Order of Australia must reflect who we are. We can all nominate someone we admire and respect for recognition. Please consider doing so,” the Governor-General said.
In addition to the 739 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia (4 AC, 38 AO, 194 AM and 503 OAM), today’s Honours list includes:
• 20 recipients of awards in the Military Division of the Order of Australia
(1 AO, 9 AM and 10 OAM)
• 224 Meritorious awards
• 59 Distinguished and Conspicuous awards
This list also includes 49 Australians recognised for their contribution in support of Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals will also be included in an ongoing and permanent COVID-19 Honour roll.
Anyone can nominate any Australian for an award in the Order of Australia. If you know someone worthy, nominate them now at gg.gov.au
