26/01/2023
💚💛 LOCALS RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA DAY 2023 HONOURS LIST 💚💛
is full of incredible people, and a very special group of individuals who call our electorate home have been recognised as part of this year's Australia Day National Honours:
Please join me in congratulating them!
Ms Jennifer Collins AO of Ryde was honoured for her significant service to veterans and their families, and to nursing. Among a long and distinguished history of service, Ms Collins is the current Chair and Board Director of Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway and Deputy Chair of Australian War Widows NSW Ltd.
Emeritus Professor Richard Howitt AM of was honoured for his significant service to education, and to the Indigenous community. Among a long and distinguished history of service, he has been an Emeritus Professor at Macquarie University since 2018, and is the Founding Coordinator of Indigenous Issues Study Group, active since 1997.
Mrs Janet Craik OAM of was honoured for her service to the community. Amongst her many volunteer roles, Mrs Craik has been a volunteer and Life Group Leader at Ryde Baptist Church since 2001!
Mr Warren Hopley OAM of was honoured for his service to education, particularly to the disadvantaged. Mr Hopley has been a principal at many schools, including Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School Gladesville, and is the Chair of South Sudanese Education for Charity Group.
Mrs Trish Gardiner-Wilson OAM of Ryde was honoured for service to the community through her charity, Adam Gardiner Fund Incorporation, which raises money to support the Westmead Amyloidosis Centre in the treatment of amyloidosis, a group of diseases that cause a build up of abnormal protein in the body. She is also the founder of National Amyloidosis Day, observed on 8 May this year in Australia.
The late Mr Rosario Rocca OAM, late of Ryde, was honoured posthumously for his long service to Ryde. Amongst a long and distinguished history of service to our community, Mr Rocca was President of the Rotary Club of Ryde, the co-owner of Midway Shopping Centre, co-owner of Midway Cellars Wine, a sponsor of many local groups including NSW SES Ryde Unit and Ryde Area Supported Accommodation for Intellectually Disabled. He was also Involved in the construction of four self-contained residential units at Ryde Hospital.
Mr Ronald Palmer OAM of was honoured for his service to lawn bowls. Mr Palmer has been President of Eastwood Bowls Club, Ryde Eastwood Bowling Club, Brush Park Bowling Club Limited and a national umpire and coach for 30 years. As a bowler, he's won 20 singles titles, 35 pairs finals, various district singles and fours events, and a State's Sides Fours event!
Mrs Joan Ryan OAM was honoured for her service to the community through a range of organisations. Amongst a long and distinguished history of service, Mrs Ryan was a longstanding volunteer, organiser and assistant swim coach at my old school Marist College Eastwood! Locally, she's also a volunteer at St Michael's Church, Meadowbank.
A huge congratulations to all those honoured this year! Ryde is privileged to be home to so many people of service, building our communities for the better. To read more on those honoured this year, head to https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2023-honours-list
