MEDAL: Robin Gordon got the OAM for her efforts to save Belmont Hospital and library. Picture: Ryan Osland
SEVEN Lake Macquarie and Newcastle residents were recognised in the Australia Day 2013 Honours List.
Among the recipients were everyday people working in the fields of health and research, local history, emergency services, the media and sport.
Keith Graham, of Swansea, was given a medal in the Order of Australia for his service to the community as secretary of Swansea Meals on Wheels since 1974, secretary of the Coon Island Landcare Group since 1991, and as secretary of the Swansea Advisory Committee since 1973.
Another Lake Macquarie recipient was ambulance officer Terence Watson, of Belmont North, who received an Ambulance Service Medal.
His involvement in the ambulance service started as an honorary ambulance officer in 1975, working one night a week, before he became a permanent ambulance officer in 1977.
Mr Watson has worked on the research and development of a new patient-assessment tool allowing paramedics to bypass hospitals and give patients, access to thrombolysis.
Robin Gordon, of Belmont, was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for her part in changing the course of local history.
Mrs Gordon fought to save Belmont Library and Belmont Hospital.
She is a founding member of the Friends of the Library Group and the Belmont Hospital Watchdog Committee.
Mrs Gordon is also co-author and publisher of historical books.
Roger Greenan, of Windale, received an Order of Australia Medal for his involvement in his community through the Windale Renewal Scheme.
Mr Greenan started the Windale Men's Shed in 2006 and it now has more than 80 members.
Sports commentator and television personality Mike Rabbitt received an Order of Australia Medal for his many years of service to the community through sporting and charitable organisations.
The one Hunter resident to be made a Member of the Order of Australia this year is Professor Roger Smith, Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Newcastle for his services to medical research and development in the field of maternal health.