A NUMBER of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's citizens have been held up as role models to help "define, encourage and reinforce our national aspirations".
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The eight residents joined 617 others from across the country being recognised as part of the annual Australia Day Honours.
They were commended for everything from professional achievements to community service, volunteering and most of all for their significant contributions to the region.
They were:
■ Kevin Berger, from Newcastle East, the founder and executive director of the St Philips Christian School's DALE program that has supported at-risk and special needs youth to remain at school and continue their education, since 1997.
■ Margaret Sulman, from Marmong Point, has been a volunteer at the Calvary Mater hospital since 1992 in many roles from manning the front desk to helping to co-ordinate the hospital's volunteers and organising fundraising events.
■ Dr Alan Beard, from Valentine, who has volunteered in numerous organisations such as Rotary in Lake Macquarie since 1978.
■ Norma Clarke, from New Lambton, for more than 50 years of services to lawn bowls, including serving as president of the Alder Park Women's Bowling Club and the Newcastle District Women's Bowling Association.
■ John Rumball, recognised for his long and various contributions to the ambulance service, the Hamilton Returned Services League and his chairmanship of the Hunter Melanoma Foundation from 1996 to 2000.
■ The Reverend Tony Lang, from Wangi Wangi, a long-serving army and police chaplain.
■ Bill Chapman, from Dora Creek, the founding chairman of the union-owned United Collieries, who helped establish a Mine Workers Trust.
■ Darren McManus-Smith, from Morisset, for his service to veterans and their families.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove offered his congratulations to the award recipients and expressed his gratitude for their contributions to the nation.
